US Strikes in Yemen Leave 24 Dead; Trump Issues Stark Warnings to Houthis and Iran

The US launched strikes in Yemen, killing at least 24, including civilians, with President Trump warning the Houthis and Iran. The Houthis were reclassified as a terrorist organization, and Trump issued strong rhetoric against their actions. Iran responded, stating the US has no right to dictate its policies amid rising regional tensions and escalating maritime threats from the Houthis.

The United States conducted major strikes in Yemen, resulting in the death of at least 24 individuals, including 13 civilians in the capital, Sanaa. President Donald Trump warned the Iran-aligned Houthi group that “their time is up”, compelling Iran to cease support for the Houthis. The attacks also claimed the lives of 11 others, including children in Saada province, a Houthi stronghold.

Residents described the strikes as seismic, stating, “The explosions were violent and shook the neighborhood like an earthquake. They terrified our women and children,” according to Reuters. In response, the Houthis’ political bureau condemned the strikes, labeling them a “war crime,” and asserted that the Yemeni armed forces are prepared to retaliate.

Trump justifies the strikes as a response to the Houthis’ threats against maritime security, declaring, “To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY.” He further cautioned Iran, stressing that the US would hold them accountable if they continued to threaten American interests or international shipping lanes.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, countered these assertions by asserting that the US has no authority over Iranian foreign policy and criticized the US for its actions in Yemen. This month, the Trump administration reclassified the Houthis as a “foreign terrorist organisation,” prohibiting any US engagement with the group. The Houthis have launched numerous assaults against ships since the recent escalation of conflict over the Israel-Hamas war, claiming their actions are in solidarity with Palestine. Since the beginning of 2023, they have reportedly attacked US warships and commercial vessels multiple times, highlighting the regional tensions that have been exacerbated by the conflict.

The recent US strikes in Yemen mark a significant escalation in American involvement in the region, as evidenced by the warning issued by President Trump to the Houthis and Iran. The death toll and impact on civilians raise serious humanitarian concerns, reflecting the dire situation on the ground. Furthermore, the Houthis’ ongoing attacks on maritime targets underscore the complexities surrounding both regional stability and international relations, particularly amid heightened tensions following the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com