Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that U.S. airstrikes against the Iran-backed Houthis are crucial for global security, targeting their abilities to disrupt shipping routes and attack U.S. forces. These operations mark a sustained military effort as part of President Trump’s directive. Rubio highlighted the Houthis’ disruptive actions in the Red Sea and the severe impact on global maritime activities while assuring ongoing military commitments until the threat is eliminated.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed on Sunday that U.S. airstrikes targeting Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are essential for global security. He stated that these operations aim to diminish the Houthis’ capacity to attack international shipping and U.S. military forces, deeming them as beneficial to the world. “We’re doing the entire world a favor by getting rid of these guys and their ability to strike global shipping,” Rubio declared during his appearance on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.”
President Donald Trump announced the airstrikes, promising the use of “overwhelming lethal force” until the Houthis cease their actions against shipping. U.S. Central Command confirmed these strikes via social media, indicating a potential extended campaign against the Houthis both from air and sea, depending on their responses as well as Iran’s. Following an executive order from Trump in January that reinstated the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, previous classifications had been altered by the Biden administration.
The Houthis have been a significant threat recently, disrupting critical shipping routes in the Red Sea and threatening attacks against Israeli vessels. Rubio emphasized that these new strikes represent a sustained military effort rather than a mere reactive measure, stating, “This is not a message. This is an effort to deny them the ability to continue to constrict and control shipping.”
Rubio detailed the severity of Houthi attacks, reporting that they have targeted 174 Naval vessels and carried out 145 assaults on commercial shipping in the past 18 months. He characterized the Houthis as a pirate group equipped with advanced anti-ship weapons, stating that their control over these crucial shipping lanes is unacceptable and unsustainable.
While he did not specify the duration of the operations, Rubio asserted they would persist until the Houthis lose their capability to launch such attacks, denying the need for ground raids at this time. He concluded by indicating that significant personnel involved in Houthi missile operations have been neutralized, assuring that “we’re not going to have people sitting around with the missiles attacking the U.S. Navy,” reinforcing a commitment to ongoing military action against this threat under President Trump.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized the significance of U.S. airstrikes against the Iran-backed Houthis in ensuring global security. The campaign aims to eliminate the group’s capacity for attacks on shipping and U.S. military personnel. Rubio highlighted the sustained nature of these operations, which are intended to address the ongoing threat posed by the Houthis to vital international maritime routes. The commitment to this campaign reflects the U.S. government’s intent to safeguard its interests and uphold maritime security.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
