The US launched airstrikes on Yemen’s Huthis for the first time since Donald Trump took office. As a result, at least 21 people died, according to the rebels. Meanwhile, Washington warned Iran to stop supporting the group.
Huthis Say Children Died in Strikes
The Huthis, who have repeatedly targeted Red Sea shipping and Israel, claimed the strikes killed civilians, including children. In Sanaa, an AFP photographer heard three explosions and saw plumes of smoke. Additionally, strikes hit Saada, a rebel stronghold.
The Huthi health ministry reported that airstrikes in Sanaa killed nine civilians and seriously injured nine others. Furthermore, the rebel-linked Ansarollah website stated that at least ten people died in Saada. A separate strike in Saada’s Alshaaf district killed two more. Consequently, the Huthis condemned what they called “US-British aggression” and accused Washington of “criminal brutality.”
US Defends Strikes, Trump Promises ‘Overwhelming Lethal Force’
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) released images of fighter jets and an airstrike destroying a building. Accordingly, it called the operation “precision strikes” meant to protect US interests and ensure safe shipping.
At the same time, Trump vowed to continue the attacks. “We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective,” he stated. Moreover, he blamed the Huthis for threatening Red Sea trade.
Huthis Threaten Retaliation, Trump Warns Iran
In response, the Huthis vowed revenge. “The strikes will not pass without response,” their political bureau said on Al-Masirah TV. They also declared, “Our forces are ready to escalate.”
Simultaneously, Trump warned Iran to stop aiding the rebels. Notably, the Huthis have controlled much of Yemen for a decade. Furthermore, they are part of the Iran-backed “axis of resistance” against Israel and the US.
During the Gaza war, the rebels launched drone and missile attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. As a result, global trade was disrupted, and many ships were forced to take costly detours around Africa.
Hamas Condemns US Strikes
Meanwhile, Hamas, which supports the Huthis, denounced the US strikes. The group described them as a “violation of international law and an attack on Yemen’s sovereignty.”
Huthis Resume Attacks After Ceasefire, US Responds
Although the US and Britain have bombed Huthi targets multiple times, the rebels had paused their attacks when Gaza’s ceasefire began in January. However, on Tuesday, they resumed operations, demanding that Israel lift its blockade on Palestinian aid.
Trump, on the other hand, did not mention Israel. Instead, he focused on the Huthis’ previous attacks on shipping. He issued a direct warning: “To all Huthi 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!”
He further added, “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!”
US Labels Huthis a Terrorist Group
Earlier this month, the US officially classified the Huthi movement as a “foreign terrorist organization.” Consequently, this designation bans all US interactions with the group.
Furthermore, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a strong warning. “Huthi attacks on US military and commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea will not be tolerated,” he stated. He also delivered this message to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Notably, Russia remains close to Iran, a key Huthi ally.
Pentagon Reports Rising Huthi Attacks on Ships
According to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, the Huthis have attacked US warships 174 times and commercial vessels 145 times since 2023.
The Huthis seized Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, in 2014. At first, they were close to taking over the country. However, a Saudi-led coalition intervened to stop them.
Although the war has been largely on hold since a 2022 ceasefire, peace talks have stalled. Meanwhile, Huthi attacks on Israel and shipping have reignited tensions. As a result, the US and its allies now prepare for further conflict.