The U.S. has conducted airstrikes targeting senior Houthi leaders in Yemen, signaling a decisive military strategy distinct from previous administrations. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that strikes will continue until the Houthi threat is eliminated, stressing accountability for Iranian support of the group. President Trump underscored the seriousness of the response, warning Iran to cease backing the Houthis immediately.
On Sunday, U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz announced the elimination of several senior leaders of the Houthi terror group in airstrikes in Yemen. While he did not disclose the exact number of casualties, reports suggested that six high-ranking officials may have been killed. Waltz emphasized that these strikes represent the most vigorous offensive against the Houthis to date, distinguishing them from previous, more measured attacks under the Biden administration.
Waltz characterized the current military actions as a decisive response designed to hold Iran accountable for its support of the Houthis, which has been integral in disrupting maritime trade routes in the region. He urged Iran to cease its backing of the group, warning against a scenario where Iranian leaders possess nuclear capabilities, stating, “All options are on the table.”
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that strikes would persist until the Houthi threat to international maritime activities is neutralized. He reiterated that the primary objective is to stop attacks on shipping lanes, expressing disinterest in Yemen’s internal civil conflict.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that a ground operation in Yemen is currently not being considered, affirming that the air campaign will continue until the Houthis can no longer threaten commercial shipping. The offensive began with extensive strikes on multiple targets in Houthi-controlled areas, including Sanaa, and is expected to last for several days.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. operation has three key objectives: to destroy Houthi missile launchers targeting vessels, eliminate the group’s leadership, and send a firm message to Iran regarding its nuclear negotiations. Despite sustained strikes, the Houthis have relocated their missile capabilities and continue to express determination to support Palestinian causes, with threats of retaliation against shipping vessels.
In light of the airstrikes, Houthi leaders have been instructed to take precautions, avoiding known targets and relocating to safer areas. Reports indicate that the group is further preparing for attacks by moving military resources underground, asserting that their commitment to supporting Palestine remains unwavering. Moussa Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthi political bureau, described U.S. strikes as unjustified, emphasizing continuity in their operations.
President Donald Trump announced the operation via social media, emphasizing the severity of the U.S. response to Houthi attacks on American vessels, stating, “We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective.” He condemned previous administrations as “pathetically weak” and warned that the Houthis’ time for aggression had ended, urging Iran to halt its support immediately and stating, “America will hold you fully accountable.”
In summary, the United States has initiated a robust military campaign against the Houthi leadership in Yemen, responding decisively to disruptions in international shipping. This initiative underscores the dual objectives of neutralizing the threat posed by the Houthis and holding Iran accountable for its support of this group. The U.S. administration maintains its stance against intervention in Yemen’s civil war, focusing strictly on maritime security.
The U.S. airstrikes on Houthi leaders signify a significant escalation in military actions aimed at safeguarding international shipping lanes from Houthi disruptions. The actions, framed as a response to Iranian support for the Houthis, are designed to eliminate threats to maritime security while remaining neutral regarding Yemen’s internal conflicts. The assurance that these operations will continue until the threat is neutralized indicates a commitment to counteracting aggressions that jeopardize global trade routes.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
