Donald Trump stated that he has authorized a series of airstrikes targeting Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, on Saturday, vowing to employ “overwhelming lethal force” until the Iranian-supported Houthi rebels halt their assaults on maritime shipping along a crucial sea route.
The Houthis reported multiple explosions occurring in their territory on Saturday evening. Online images depict thick black smoke rising over the Sana’a airport area, which contains a large military installation. The full extent of the damage remains unclear.
“Our courageous Warfighters are currently executing aerial attacks on the bases, leaders, and missile defenses of terrorists to safeguard American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom,” Trump mentioned in a social media update. “No terrorist entity will hinder American commercial and naval vessels from navigating the Waterways of the World.”
He further cautioned Iran to cease its support for the rebel faction, pledging to hold the nation “fully accountable” for the actions of its proxies.
These airstrikes follow shortly after the Houthis declared their intention to renew attacks on Israeli vessels operating in waters off Yemen in retaliation for Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Since that announcement, no Houthi attacks have been reported.
The Houthi rebels have targeted over 100 merchant ships using missiles and drones, resulting in the sinking of two vessels and the deaths of four sailors during their operations against military and civilian shipping in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict that erupted in late 2023 until the fragile ceasefire in Gaza commenced in January of this year.
These attacks have significantly elevated the Houthis’ visibility as they grappled with economic challenges and initiated a crackdown on dissent and aid workers amidst Yemen’s protracted war, which has ravaged the Arab world’s poorest nation for a decade.
Previously, the United States, Israel, and Britain have targeted Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen. Israel’s military declined to provide a statement.
The Houthi media office claimed that the US strikes impacted “a residential neighborhood” in the northern district of Shouab in Sana’a.
According to a US official, the operation against the Houthis on Saturday was conducted exclusively by the US. This marks the first strike on the Yemen-based Houthis during Trump’s second administration, following a period of relative calm in the region.
Such extensive and pre-planned missile strikes aimed at the Houthis were frequently executed by the Biden administration in response to their ongoing attacks against commercial and military vessels in the area.
The USS Harry S Truman carrier strike group, which consists of the carrier, three navy destroyers, and one cruiser, is positioned in the Red Sea and participated in the mission. The USS Georgia cruise missile submarine has also been active in the vicinity.
Trump made the announcement regarding the strikes while spending the day at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
“These relentless assaults have cost the US and world economy billions of dollars while simultaneously putting innocent lives at risk,” Trump remarked.
