Secretary of State Marco Rubio: U.S. Airstrikes on Houthis…

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that U.S. airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen are essential for global shipping security. President Trump backed these actions, emphasizing a commitment to use lethal force until the Houthis stop attacks. Rubio indicated that these operations aim to dismantle the Houthis’ capabilities and will persist until the threat is neutralized, with no current plans for ground raids.

In recent statements, Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that U.S. airstrikes aimed at the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are designed to dismantle their capabilities to threaten global shipping and U.S. military forces. He expressed that these actions are beneficial to the international community, stating, “We’re doing the entire world a favor by getting rid of these guys and their ability to strike global shipping.” These strikes were announced by President Trump, emphasizing a commitment to apply “overwhelming lethal force” until the Houthis cease their attacks on shipping routes.

These airstrikes come in response to the Houthis’ ongoing disruption of a critical maritime corridor in the Red Sea. Notably, the group had declared intentions to resume attacks on Israeli vessels due to perceived hostilities. Central Command acknowledged the strikes on social media and indicated that operations against the Houthis might extend over several weeks, contingent on their response and that of Iran.

Rubio highlighted the Houthis’ track record of aggression with reports of 174 attacks on U.S. naval vessels and 145 assaults on commercial shipping within the past 18 months. He characterized the group as a sophisticated band of pirates, equipped with precision weaponry that poses a severe risk to global shipping lanes. Rubio emphasized that such conduct is intolerable and underscored that the campaign will persist until the Houthi threat is neutralized.

The Secretary of State further clarified that there are currently no plans for ground operations, indicating that airstrikes are sufficient for the mission’s goals. He reported successes from previous strikes, stating that several key figures involved in missile launches have been eliminated and key Houthi facilities destroyed. With these operations, Rubio assured that there will be no tolerance for attacks on the U.S. Navy.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has asserted the significance of U.S. airstrikes on Houthi rebels as a necessary measure to ensure global maritime safety and security. With a focus on eliminating Houthi capabilities that threaten international shipping and the U.S. military, the campaign will continue until the threat is comprehensively addressed. The commitment to apply overwhelming force illustrates the administration’s strategy to counteract aggressions from the Houthis and protect crucial shipping lanes.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com