The U.S. and Iran-backed Houthis pledge escalation following recent U.S. airstrikes targeting the rebels in Yemen, resulting in significant casualties. Key figures from both sides assert their commitments to military action, complicating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and the broader geopolitical landscape.
The United States and Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have vowed to escalate tensions following recent U.S. airstrikes aimed at deterring Houthi attacks on military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The Houthi-run Health Ministry reported fatalities of at least 53 individuals, including women and children, as a result of these strikes which occurred overnight in various provinces, most notably in Sanaa and Saada.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the combat will persist until the Houthis can no longer control shipping routes. In his remarks to CBS, he clarified that these strikes are part of a broader strategy rather than isolated retaliation. In a similar vein, President Donald Trump announced a commitment to employing “overwhelming lethal force” against the Houthis and held Iran accountable for its support of the group.
The Houthi rebels have targeted international shipping in the Red Sea, citing solidarity with Palestine amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Although their attacks had paused during a ceasefire, the Houthis recently threatened to resume aggression against Israeli vessels following humanitarian aid blockades to Gaza. Notably, the recent airstrikes were among the most significant aimed at the Houthis since the escalation of the Gaza conflict in October 2023.
Michael Waltz, the national security adviser, confirmed that the airstrikes targeted several Houthi leaders, while Rubio noted the destruction of multiple Houthi facilities. The Houthis have vowed to reciprocate the U.S. actions, declaring an intention to escalate. The rebels reported a missile and drone attack on the USS Harry S. Truman strike group, though U.S. officials did not confirm any such incidents.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged for restrained military actions, highlighting the pressing humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Rubio reported that in the last 18 months, Houthis have launched numerous attacks against U.S. Navy vessels and commercial shipping, provoking significant military responses.
In a statement broadcast through state-run media, Iranian Revolutionary Guard General Hossein Salami denied Iran’s involvement in the Houthis’ operational strategies. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called for an end to U.S. airstrikes, contending that the U.S. cannot dictate Iran’s foreign policy. The U.S. has accused Iran of supplying military resources to the Houthis, which has been substantiated by the seizure of weaponry by the U.S. Navy.
In summary, the escalation of tensions between the United States and the Houthi rebels is underscored by recent U.S. airstrikes and mutual threats of further military action. Both parties have signaled a readiness to continue hostilities, which poses severe implications for the stability in the region and humanitarian conditions in Yemen. As global powers remain involved, the situation calls for diplomatic measures to prevent further conflict and address humanitarian crises.
Original Source: www.kaaltv.com
