U.S. airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthis will continue indefinitely following initial attacks that caused numerous casualties. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated operations will persist until Houthis cease their assaults on ships. The strikes signal a new U.S. stance on Iran, while humanitarian concerns rise as local casualties include many civilians.
U.S. officials have announced that airstrikes targeting Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement will persist indefinitely. Following an initial attack that resulted in 31 fatalities and approximately 100 injuries, these strikes aim to deter Houthi assaults on Red Sea shipping routes. This marks President Donald Trump’s inaugural employment of military force in the region since assuming office in January.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the campaign would cease only when the Houthis commit to stopping their attacks against U.S. ships and drones. Several senior officials noted that the military response aims to convey a vigorous stance toward Iran and a broader recalibration of U.S. involvement in the Middle East.
National Security Adviser Michael Waltz reported that the strikes successfully targeted key Houthi leaders using overwhelming force, thereby alerting Iran to the seriousness of U.S. resolve. Trump himself addressed the Houthis via his Truth Social platform, warning them that their actions must end or they would face severe consequences. He also urged Iran to terminate its support for the Houthis immediately.
The Houthis, who have dominated most of Yemen for the past decade, are purportedly engaged in attacks on international shipping to express solidarity with Palestine and Hamas, backed by Iran. Reports indicated that they have launched missiles and drones toward Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Moreover, Israeli officials confirmed investigations into missile activity from Yemen landing in Egypt.
In response to U.S. threats, Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards asserted that the Houthis operate independently. Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the U.S. airstrikes as a violation of international law. Iranian officials called upon the U.S. government to refrain from interfering in Iranian diplomatic matters and criticized its support for Israel.
As military tensions escalate, Washington has intensified economic sanctions against Iran while pursuing negotiations regarding its nuclear program. The possibility of U.S. military action against Iran looms, amid pressure from Israel. The U.S. Central Command described the airstrikes as part of a broader military campaign, with operations expected to extend for weeks.
The Houthis, considered a pivotal element of Iran’s ‘axis of resistance,’ remain resilient despite regional turbulence. Unlike Hamas and Hezbollah, who have incurred significant losses, the Houthis continue to challenge U.S. and allied interests in the region. Reports indicated that many casualties from the strikes were women and children, with the Houthi political bureau denouncing the actions as a war crime.
Local witnesses described the intensity of the explosions as akin to an earthquake, leaving many terrified. Recovery efforts are currently underway, though the devastation has left many injured in hospitals and necessitated urgent humanitarian responses. The previous Biden administration had limited its military actions against the Houthis.
In summary, the U.S. airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen are set to continue indefinitely, aimed at deterring attacks on shipping and reinforcing military presence in the region. With President Trump and his officials indicating a firm stance against Iran and the Houthis, the situation presents escalating risks of conflict. The humanitarian implications are severe, with strikes resulting in numerous civilian casualties and raising concerns over potential violations of international law. As military operations unfold, the international community will be closely monitoring developments.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
