Trump Vows to Annihilate Houthis Amid Intensified U.S. Military Strikes

President Trump declares that the U.S. military will annihilate the Iran-backed Houthi militant group in Yemen, warning Iran to halt their support. U.S. strikes target Houthi infrastructure after attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, with significant casualties reported on both sides. The Defense Department vows to sustain military actions until the Houthis cease their operations.

On Wednesday, President Trump asserted that the U.S. military would “completely annihilate” the Iran-backed Houthi militant group in Yemen. He urged Iran to cease its military support to the Houthis, insisting that they should be left to fend for themselves. These statements occurred alongside ongoing U.S. military strikes aimed at curtailing the Houthis’ attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea.

Trump highlighted the “tremendous damage” inflicted by these military actions, which commenced on Saturday, and he warned that such impacts would only intensify. He described the situation as an unfair fight, asserting that the Houthis would face complete destruction. As part of this military effort, U.S. Central Command released footage of fighter jets neutralizing Houthi drones.

The Houthis have recently targeted Israeli interests and commercial vessels in the Red Sea in solidarity with Hamas, which was behind the significant attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Following a temporary cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in January, the Houthis briefly halted their attacks; however, they vowed to renew hostilities amid stalled truce negotiations and restricted humanitarian aid to Gaza.

President Trump declared on Saturday that he had authorized “decisive and powerful” military actions against the Houthis, accusing them of piracy and terrorism against American vessels, which he claimed were funded by Iran. Trump’s statements were supported by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who warned that Houthi assaults would not be tolerated, signaling that Iran was on notice.

In response, the Houthis noted that they had launched strikes against a U.S. aircraft carrier recently. However, Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich dismissed these claims as exaggerated, stating, “They missed by a hundred miles,” and highlighted the military’s strategy in targeting Houthi capabilities.

Information provided indicated that the American operations resulted in significant Houthi casualties, yet there were no confirmed civilian deaths. In contrast, a Houthi spokesperson claimed casualties from U.S. strikes numbered at least 53, with 98 individuals wounded. The Defense Department maintained its relentless military strategy until the Houthis cease attacks on commercial vessels.

The Houthis have reportedly targeted U.S. warships and commercial vessels extensively, with over 170 and 145 attacks, respectively, in 2023 alone. One notable incident involved the seizure of the MV Galaxy Leader, holding multiple foreign sailors for more than a year before releasing some in January 2023.

In summary, President Trump’s declaration regarding the Iran-backed Houthi group emphasizes a vigorous military response from the United States aimed at safeguarding maritime interests in the Red Sea. The ongoing strikes illustrate a commitment to address perceived threats posed by the Houthis, while simultaneously signaling to Iran the consequences of supporting such militant actions. The situation remains dynamic as military operations continue and claims of casualties emerge from both sides.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com