U.S. airstrikes against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen will continue indefinitely after initial attacks resulted in numerous casualties. Officials stress the strikes aim to uphold maritime security and challenge Iranian aggression, marking a new phase in U.S. military engagement in the region. The humanitarian impact is significant, with local reports highlighting casualties, including vulnerable populations.
United States officials have announced that airstrikes against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen will continue indefinitely, following an initial operation that resulted in the death of at least 31 individuals and injuries to around 100 others. These military actions are intended to confront the Houthis for their assaults on shipping vessels in the Red Sea, marking President Donald Trump’s first military engagement in the region since taking office.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized in a statement to Fox News that the strikes will persist until the Houthis cease their attacks on maritime assets. He asserted, “The minute the Houthis say ‘we’ll stop shooting at your ships, we’ll stop shooting at your drones’, this campaign will end, but until then it will be unrelenting.” This statement reflects the U.S. administration’s commitment to a more assertive strategy towards Iran and its proxies in the Middle East.
National security adviser Michael Waltz confirmed in separate interviews that the operations targeted key Houthi leaders, employing overwhelming force to signal to Iran that the United States will no longer tolerate hostility. President Trump echoed this sentiment on his Truth Social platform, warning the Houthis to cease their attacks immediately and proclaiming, “YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON’T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!” Furthermore, he called for an immediate end to Iran’s support for these militant groups.
The Houthis, who have controlled significant portions of Yemen for over a decade, have justified their military actions as solidarity with Palestinians and Hamas, both of whom are backed by Iran. Their recent missile and drone attacks have extended to Israel, raising additional concerns about regional stability. Reports indicated a missile launched from Yemen recently landed in Egypt, prompting an investigation by Israeli authorities.
In response to the U.S. military actions, Iranian officials have maintained that the Houthis are acting independently and warned of severe consequences for any U.S. aggression. Major General Hossein Salami asserted, “We warn our enemies that Iran will respond decisively and destructively if they take their threats into action.” Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the airstrikes as a violation of international law.
Washington has already intensified sanctions against Iran concurrently with its military engagement. Observers note the potential for U.S. military actions against Iran, particularly under pressure from Israel. The U.S. Central Command described the airstrikes as the beginning of an extensive campaign in Yemen, with operations being conducted by aircraft from the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier stationed in the Red Sea.
The Houthis are considered a vital component of Iran’s “axis of resistance,” a coalition of militant groups opposing Israeli influence in the region. In contrast to other groups like Hamas, the Houthis have remained largely unscathed by recent conflicts. Consequently, casualties from the U.S. strikes predominantly included women and children, as reported by Houthi officials. Regionally, the Houthi political bureau characterized the airstrikes as war crimes, signaling their readiness to retaliate against further escalations.
Residents of Sana’a described the strikes as leaving a profound impact, with accounts of violent explosions disrupting life and causing fear among the populace. Observational reports highlighted the presence of injured civilians, including children, at local hospitals, and extensive damage needing recovery efforts, as previous administrations had limited offensive actions against the Houthis.
Following earlier relative calm, the Houthis have indicated a renewed intention to attack Israeli vessels in vital sea routes, leading to heightened tensions in the region. Pentagon officials revealed that the Houthis had launched numerous attacks on U.S. warships and commercial vessels since the beginning of 2023.
The United States has signaled its commitment to a sustained military campaign against the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen, emphasizing the necessity for the group to cease attacks on maritime targets. President Trump’s decisive actions reflect a strategic shift in U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, with implications for Iran’s influence in the region. The ongoing conflict raises significant humanitarian concerns, particularly given the reported casualties among civilians, while also highlighting the complexities of regional alliances and military engagements.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
