U.S. airstrikes in Yemen killed at least 24, including civilians, with President Trump reclassifying the Houthi group as a terrorist organization. He warned the Houthis to cease attacks and urged Iran to stop supporting them. The Houthis condemned the strikes as a war crime, while Iran’s Foreign Minister criticized U.S. foreign policy. The Houthis have intensified maritime attacks amid regional conflicts.
On recent occasions, United States airstrikes in Yemen resulted in the death of at least 24 individuals, prompting President Donald Trump to classify the Iran-aligned Houthi group as a “foreign terrorist organization.” Concurrent with these strikes, Trump issued a stern warning to the Houthis, declaring their time is over and demanding the cessation of their attacks. He further called upon Iran to immediately withdraw its support for the Houthis to avoid repercussions.
Among the casualties, reports indicate that at least 13 civilians lost their lives in airstrikes targeting Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, while an additional 11 fatalities, including four children and one woman, occurred in the northern province of Saada, a Houthi stronghold. Eyewitnesses described the explosive sounds as akin to an earthquake, instilling fear among the residents, particularly women and children.
In response to the U.S. actions, the Houthis condemned the strikes, labeling them a “war crime” and asserting that their armed forces remain ready to escalate in retaliation. In a direct statement, President Trump cited the Houthis’ threats against maritime shipping in the Red Sea, committing to employing overwhelming force to achieve U.S. objectives in the region. He conveyed a menacing message to the Houthis through social media, emphasizing their need to halt attacks immediately.
Trump also issued a warning to Iran, articulating that any threats to the United States or its interests would not be tolerated, insisting that America would respond robustly. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, countered by asserting that the U.S. lacked the authority to dictate Iran’s foreign policy. He urged the U.S. to address its support for Israeli actions and the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
This development marks a significant shift, as the Trump administration has reclassified the Houthis, an armed group that has dominated Yemen over the last decade, as a terrorist organization, which prohibits any formal engagement with them. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for multiple attacks on maritime vessels since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict, citing solidarity with Palestinians as their motive. Since early 2023, they reportedly carried out 174 attacks on U.S. warships and 145 attacks on commercial vessels, further straining international relations and commerce.
The recent U.S. strikes in Yemen, resulting in numerous casualties, underscore escalating tensions between the U.S., the Houthis, and Iran. President Trump’s designation of the Houthis as a terrorist group reflects a significant shift in U.S. policy, while his warnings to Iran emphasize a readiness to respond to threats against American interests. The dynamic situation highlights the ongoing complexities in the region, particularly concerning maritime security and humanitarian issues in Yemen.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
