U.S. Airstrikes on Houthi Rebels: Ensuring Global Shipping Security

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that U.S. airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthis are crucial for safeguarding global shipping and U.S. military operations. President Trump endorsed the strikes as a measure to utilize overwhelming force against ongoing Houthi threats. Rubio underscored the need for sustained action until the Houthis can no longer threaten maritime security while reporting significant successes in degrading Houthi capabilities.

On a recent interview on “Face the Nation,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that U.S. airstrikes aimed at the Iran-backed Houthi rebels are protecting global shipping and U.S. military interests. He emphasized, “We are doing the entire world a favor by getting rid of these guys and their ability to strike global shipping.” The objective is to eliminate the Houthis’ operational capabilities, ensuring the safety of international maritime routes.

President Trump announced the strikes, asserting that the U.S. would use “overwhelming lethal force” against the Houthis if they do not cease attacks on shipping. Following the strikes, U.S. Central Command confirmed its readiness to expand the campaign as necessary, depending on the responses from the Houthis and Iran. These airstrikes follow a history of escalating tensions, particularly amid recent threats from the Houthis regarding Israeli ships.

Rubio recounted the Houthis’ alarming history of aggression, noting they have attacked 174 U.S. naval vessels and 145 commercial ships over the past 18 months. He remarked, “We basically have a band of pirates… exacting a toll system in one of the most important shipping lanes in the world,” highlighting the unsustainable nature of such actions.

When inquired about the duration of these operations, Rubio indicated they will persist until the Houthis can no longer pose a threat. Although he noted that there has been no talk of ground raids, he assured that significant impacts have already been made on Houthi capabilities, as major players and facilities have been neutralized.

Rubio concluded that the ongoing commitment to thwart the Houthis aims to safeguard U.S. naval operations, maintaining, “We are not going to have people sitting around with missiles attacking the U.S. Navy. It is not going to happen. Not under President Trump.”

The U.S. airstrikes targeting Iran-backed Houthis are intended to protect international shipping and U.S. military interests. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of these operations, which seek to eliminate Houthi threats in key maritime areas. The commitment to these airstrikes demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing aggression and ensuring the safety of significant global shipping lanes while maintaining U.S. naval integrity.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com