U.S. Strikes Target Houthi Leaders in Yemen Amid Heightened Tensions with Iran

The United States has launched extensive airstrikes in Yemen, targeting senior Houthi leaders as a part of a broader strategy to counter Iranian influence and protect maritime routes. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz emphasized the strikes as a decisive response and warned Iran against its support of Houthis. U.S. officials confirmed that military operations will continue until attacks on shipping cease, maintaining that they do not intend to intervene in Yemen’s civil war.

In a decisive military response, the United States has launched significant airstrikes in Yemen, targeting senior leaders of the Houthi group. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz announced that several Houthi officials were killed, though specific numbers remain unconfirmed. These operations are described as the most extensive to date, contrasting with the limited measures taken during the Biden administration, focusing mainly on imminent threats to maritime shipping.

Waltz emphasized that the recent strikes are part of a broader strategy to hold Iran accountable for its support to the Houthis, which has facilitated disruptions to vital maritime trade in the Red Sea. He urged Iran to cease its backing of the Houthis and indicated that all military options, including potential actions against Iran’s nuclear facilities, remain on the table.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that military operations will persist until the Houthis halt attacks on international shipping lanes. He reiterated that the airstrikes aim purely to protect maritime routes and do not signify intervention in Yemen’s civil conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that ground operations in Yemen are not being contemplated currently.

The air campaign commenced late Saturday, focusing on multiple targets within Houthi-controlled territories, including Sanaa. Reports from Houthi sources suggest significant civilian casualties and injuries as a result of the strikes. Washington has indicated its intent to continue these operations until threats to global trade are neutralized.

Reports reveal that the airstrikes targeted both missile launchers aiming at ships and the residences of Houthi leaders. The offensive aligns with broader strategic objectives to send a message to Iran amid ongoing nuclear negotiations. Despite suffering losses, the Houthis have asserted their intent to continue their support for Palestine and threaten retaliation against ongoing U.S. military actions.

Following the strikes, the Houthis have ordered their leaders to evacuate their homes out of fear of further U.S. targeting and are reportedly taking measures to relocate military assets. U.S. media emphasized the group’s ongoing threats, indicating a potential escalation in attacks on commercial vessels in response to the airstrikes.

In a social media announcement, President Trump justified the military operation, vowing to use overwhelming force against Houthi aggressions. He criticized the previous administration’s response to such threats as inadequate and issued stern warnings to both the Houthis and Iran, insisting on the immediate cessation of Iranian support towards the Houthis.

The recent airstrikes in Yemen mark a significant escalation in U.S. military engagement against the Houthis, following a pattern of increased tensions with Iran. The elimination of Houthi leadership signifies a strategic effort to safeguard maritime trade routes and diminish threats posed by the group. The Trump administration’s approach prioritizes a robust response to Iran’s involvement while emphasizing the protection of international shipping. The future of U.S.-Iran relations, particularly regarding nuclear negotiations and Middle Eastern conflicts, remains uncertain amid these developments.

Original Source: www.ynetnews.com