US President Donald Trump ordered a series of airstrikes on areas in Houthi-held Yemen on Saturday. In response to the Iranian-backed rebels causing mayhem on a crucial maritime trade route, the US airstrikes promise “overwhelming lethal force”. 24 civilians have been killed as they were caught in the crossfire. Trump on a social media post shared the brief of the aerial attacks on the terrorists’ camp and leaders which were in an attempt to achieve “navigational freedom”. American assets like shipping, air and naval resources were also the focus of the US strikes.
“Your time is up…If they don’t, hell will rain down”
On a post on Truth Social, Trump also overtly warned Iran “Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY! Do NOT threaten the American People, their President, who has received one of the largest mandates in Presidential History, or Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it!”. Adding to the post he said, “No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.” These strikes come at a time when Houthis said they would resume attacks on Israeli vessels sailing off Yemen in response to Israel’s latest blockade on Gaza.
Furthermore, just two weeks ago, US had initiated contact with Iran offering a mutual path to restore bilateral relation, to which Iran later declined. In context of Iran’s advancing nuclear weapons program, Trump took a stand and said that he won’t allow the same to become operational. Explosions were reported on Saturday evening by the Houthis in the capital city, Sanaa and northern province of Saada.
Clouds of black smoke engulfed the Saudi Arabia border early Sunday spreading to the military facility near the Sanaa airport complex. The Houthis also reported airstrikes early Sunday on the provinces of Hodeida, Bayda, and Marib. At least 18 people were killed, including 13 in Sanaa and five in Saada, according to the Houthi-run health ministry. At least 24 others were wounded, including nine in Sanaa and 15 in Saada. As the Red Sea crisis does not seem to end, anonymous US officials have confirmed that the airstrikes on Houthi are expected to continue.
With tensions escalating in the Red Sea, Trump’s airstrikes signal a firm stance against Houthi aggression and Iran’s influence. As civilian casualties rise and warnings intensify, the conflict shows no signs of de-escalation, raising concerns about broader geopolitical ramifications and the future of regional stability.
(With AP inputs)