The U.S. will continue airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthis indefinitely following recent strikes that resulted in numerous casualties. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the campaign will persist until the Houthis cease their attacks on shipping. The strikes signal a new assertive approach to Iran, with significant implications for regional dynamics and security.
U.S. officials have announced that airstrikes targeting Yemen’s Iran-supported Houthis will persist indefinitely, following a military operation on Saturday that resulted in at least 31 fatalities and approximately 100 injuries. These airstrikes are a response to Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, marking President Donald Trump’s inaugural use of U.S. military force in the region since taking office in January.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized on Fox News that these military actions will continue until the Houthis agree to cease their attacks, stating, “The minute the Houthis say ‘we’ll stop shooting at your ships, we’ll stop shooting at your drones’, this campaign will end, but until then it will be unrelenting.” This initiative is part of a broader strategy to adopt a more assertive stance towards Iran and to address regional stability.
National Security Adviser Michael Waltz indicated that the strikes specifically targeted high-level Houthi leaders, demonstrating significant military capability to signal to Iran that the U.S. will not tolerate ongoing aggression. President Trump reaffirmed his administration’s position on his platform, asserting, “To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY.” Trump has made clear that Iranian support for the Houthis must conclude immediately.
The Houthi movement has been involved in military actions against international shipping, claiming to act in solidarity with Palestinians and Hamas. Recently, they have escalated their attacks by launching missiles and drones toward Israel, with some projectiles reportedly landing in Egypt. Israel is conducting investigations regarding potential Houthi missile attacks aimed at its territory.
In response to U.S. military actions, Iranian officials have asserted the Houthis’ autonomy, warning that Iran would retaliate decisively if threatened. The Iranian foreign ministry condemned the U.S. strikes as a violation of international law, demanding an end to U.S. support for Israel. Washington has also intensified sanctions against Iran while hoping to negotiate around its nuclear program.
The U.S. Central Command has announced these strikes as the initiation of a large-scale military operation across Yemen, with operations from the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier expected to extend over weeks. Experts observe that the Houthis play a significant role within Iran’s “axis of resistance,” which seeks to exert pressure on Israel amidst the ongoing conflict there.
Reports indicate that many victims of the airstrikes were women and children. Houthi authorities condemned the attacks, labeling them a “war crime” and asserting their readiness to retaliate. Eyewitness accounts depict intense explosions that severely disturbed local residents. The humanitarian impact continues to unfold, with local hospitals reporting numerous casualties requiring urgent medical attention.
The current U.S. approach diverges from the previous administration, which sought to minimize Houthi capabilities but limited military engagement. Following a ceasefire period related to Gaza, the Houthis have expressed intentions to resume their operations against Israeli maritime targets, complicating the regional security landscape further.
The Pentagon cited a concerning history of Houthi assaults on commercial and military vessels, underlining a substantial escalation in the region’s maritime tensions since 2023.
The U.S. has initiated a series of airstrikes against the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, highlighting a strategic shift in military engagement in the region. These efforts aim to counteract Houthi aggression toward maritime targets. As both Iran and the Houthis respond defiantly, regional stability remains tenuous, illustrating the complex interplay of local conflicts and broader geopolitical interests.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
