The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least 31 people. The strikes, ordered by US President Donald Trump, were described as a move to “defend American interests” and restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the airstrikes in a social media post, sharing images of fighter jets taking off from an aircraft carrier and bombs hitting Houthi targets in Yemen. “On March 15, US Central Command initiated a series of operations consisting of precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen to defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation,” CENTCOM stated.
Trump’s Warning to Houthis and Iran
Donald Trump took to Truth Social to announce the operation, issuing a stern warning to the Houthis and their Iranian allies.
“To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON’T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!” Trump wrote.
Addressing Iran directly, Trump demanded an end to its support for the Houthis. “Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY! Do NOT threaten the American people, their President, or worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable, and we won’t be nice about it!” he declared.
Trump justified the attacks as a response to the Houthis disrupting international shipping routes in the Red Sea, accusing them of threatening global trade and US interests. He also criticized former President Joe Biden for what he called a failure to act against Houthi aggression.
Houthis Vow Retaliation
The Houthi rebels condemned the US-led airstrikes and vowed retaliation. A statement aired on Al-Masirah TV, a Houthi-controlled channel, warned that the attacks “will not pass without response.”
“Our Yemeni armed forces are fully prepared to confront escalation with escalation,” the statement added.
Yemen’s health ministry reported at least 20 deaths and nine injuries following the strikes. Meanwhile, the Houthi-run Ansarollah website described the US operation as “criminal brutality” and an act of “US-British aggression.”
Houthis’ Red Sea Disruptions
The Houthis had recently resumed efforts to disrupt shipping in the Red Sea, demanding that Israel lift its blockade on aid to Palestinians. The group has frequently targeted commercial and military vessels in the region, prompting concerns from global trade authorities.
Earlier this month, the US reclassified the Houthis as a “foreign terrorist organization,” citing their attacks on American warships and commercial vessels. According to US officials, the Houthis have launched 174 attacks on US warships and 145 assaults on commercial vessels since 2023.
Sources By Agencies
