US Airstrikes and Presidential Directive
At least five people were reportedly killed in Yemen following airstrikes conducted by the United States Air Force on Saturday night. The strikes were ordered by President Donald Trump in response to continued Houthi aggression in the region. Shortly after the operation commenced, President Trump took to social media, declaring, “All Houthi terrorists are telling you, your time is over.”
The U.S. Defense Office ‘Central Command’ also confirmed the airstrikes, stating that multiple Houthi military bases were targeted.
Targeted Locations and Military Assets Used
According to reports, the attacks focused on key locations within Houthi-controlled territories, including Sana’a, White, Dhamar, and Abs, as well as East Geraf. Notable among the targets were Sana’a Airport Square, a military facility in Saada, and a weapons arsenal of the Iran-backed group.
The USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier and the USS Georgia missile submarine played a critical role in executing the operation. The Houthi armed group, also known as Ansar Allah, acknowledged the American assault and vowed retaliation. The group further claimed that the airstrikes resulted in the deaths of innocent women and children, a statement that has not been independently verified.
Houthi Attacks on Maritime Trade
The latest escalation follows a pattern of maritime disruptions attributed to the Houthis. Since 2021, the Iran-backed militant group has been launching missile attacks on commercial and military vessels operating in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis have justified their actions as part of their opposition to Israel’s military operations and economic sanctions, further heightening tensions in the region. Even after the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis have indicated their intention to continue such attacks.
Global Trade Concerns and US Response
International stakeholders, particularly the United States, have voiced concerns over the growing threats posed by the Houthis to global maritime trade. President Trump, emphasizing the necessity of military intervention, asserted, “American commercial and military ships will operate freely through the world’s waterways. No terrorist organization can hinder it.”
US Warnings to Iran
Furthermore, Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, holding it accountable for the actions of its proxy forces. He emphasized that the United States would take necessary measures to protect international trade routes and American assets in the region. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation as both sides brace for future confrontations.
Conclusion
As the conflict intensifies, the global community watches closely, recognizing the broader implications of the Yemen crisis on Middle Eastern stability and international commerce.
