Escalating Tensions: U.S. and Houthis Respond After Airstrikes in Yemen
The U.S. and Iran-backed Houthis vow to escalate tensions following U.S. airstrikes aimed at preventing further rebel assaults on shipping lanes, resulting in numerous fatalities in Yemen. U.S. officials emphasize a determined response against Houthi operations, while the rebels promise retaliation. The situation raises concerns over humanitarian conditions in Yemen amidst a backdrop of ongoing conflict involving Israel and Hamas.
The United States and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have expressed intentions to escalate military actions following U.S. airstrikes aimed at deterring further rebel assaults on maritime traffic in a crucial shipping area. The Houthi-run Health Ministry reported that these strikes resulted in at least 53 fatalities, including women and children, and injured nearly 100 individuals across various provinces, including Sanaa and Saada.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the U.S. resolve, stating, “We’re not going to have these people controlling which ships can go through and which ones cannot.” He asserted that actions would persist until the Houthis are deprived of their operational capabilities. President Donald Trump, on a separate occasion, vowed to employ “overwhelming lethal force” to compel the Houthis to cease their aggression, holding Iran responsible for its support of the militants.
The Houthis have previously attacked international shipping, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Although such activities diminished during the Israel-Hamas ceasefire in January, the Houthis announced intentions to resume assaults against Israeli vessels recently. Thus far, these threats have not translated into immediate action.
The recent airstrikes represented one of the largest military responses to the Houthis since the Gaza conflict escalated in October 2023. National Security Adviser Michael Waltz confirmed that the strikes targeted multiple Houthi leaders, yet specific identities and evidence have not been disclosed. Rubio noted the destruction of various Houthi facilities during these operations.
In retaliation, the Houthis declared their intention to respond to U.S. strikes, asserting that they would “meet escalation with escalation.” They also claimed to have attacked the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group; however, U.S. officials indicated no such incidents were tracked at that time. The United Nations called for restraint and a cessation of hostilities in Yemen, highlighting the worsening humanitarian conditions.
Rubio reported that the Houthis had directly attacked the U.S. Navy 174 times and had targeted commercial vessels 145 times with precise weaponry. This ongoing conflict has marked the most serious naval engagements for the U.S. since World War II. Meanwhile, Iranian officials, including General Hossein Salami and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, denied involvement in Houthi operations and criticized U.S. airstrikes. The U.S. administration and allies have previously conducted military operations against Houthi strongholds, with this intervention being noted as the first solely by the U.S. under the Trump administration’s second term.
In summary, escalating tensions between the United States and Iran-backed Houthis following recent U.S. airstrikes in Yemen exemplify the ongoing conflicts surrounding maritime security and regional stability. The U.S. government maintains a firm stance against Houthi attacks, while Iran insists on its non-involvement in the rebels’ military decisions. The implications of these developments could significantly affect the already dire humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
Original Source: www.kaaltv.com
