Key Points:
- Trump launches largest Middle East military operation: Strikes target Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen following attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
- Civilian casualties reported: At least 24 killed, including women and children, in airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas.
- Warning to Iran: Trump demands Iran stop supporting Houthis, threatening severe consequences for any threats to the U.S.
- Houthi maritime campaign: Over 100 shipping attacks since 2023, disrupting global trade and escalating tensions.
Washington D.C.: U.S. President Donald Trump has initiated a large-scale military operation against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, marking the most significant Middle East intervention of his presidency. The strikes come in response to escalating Houthi attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea, a vital maritime corridor for global trade. Trump vowed to use “overwhelming lethal force” until the rebels halt their offensive.
Largest U.S. Military Operation Under Trump
The airstrikes, conducted on Saturday, targeted key Houthi positions, including bases and missile defenses in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. According to local residents, powerful explosions rocked neighborhoods like Shouab and Eastern Geraf, terrifying civilians. The Houthi-controlled Health Ministry reported that at least 24 people were killed, including women and children, while dozens were injured. Witnesses described the blasts as resembling an earthquake.
Trump announced the strikes while at his golf club in Florida, stating that “no terrorist force will stop American vessels from freely navigating the world’s waterways.” He also warned Iran to cease its support for the Houthis immediately or face severe repercussions.
Houthi Maritime Attacks and U.S. Response
The Houthis have carried out over 100 attacks on ships since November 2023, targeting both military and civilian vessels. These actions have disrupted global shipping routes and forced vessels to take longer routes around Africa. The group claims these attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict. Recently, they threatened to resume assaults on Israeli ships following Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
In retaliation, Trump ordered decisive strikes aimed at crippling the Houthis’ operational capabilities. A U.S. official confirmed that this operation involved advanced naval assets such as the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group and cruise missile submarines stationed in the Red Sea.
Iran Under Pressure
Trump’s message to Tehran was unequivocal: stop supporting the Houthis or face accountability for their actions. This comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran over its nuclear program. Two weeks ago, Trump sent a letter to Iranian leaders offering a path for negotiations but has since adopted a more aggressive stance.
Houthi Response
The Houthis have vowed retaliation against U.S. forces, with their spokesman warning of “explosive action.” Despite suffering significant losses in Saturday’s strikes, they remain defiant, claiming their army is fully prepared for counterattacks.
This military escalation underscores Trump’s commitment to securing maritime freedom while addressing broader geopolitical challenges involving Iran and Yemen’s decade-long conflict. As tensions rise further, global trade and regional stability hang in the balance.
