U.S. Airstrikes Against Houthis in Yemen to Continue Indefinitely
The U.S. has commenced indefinite airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthis, claiming to punish their threats to Red Sea shipping. Defense Secretary Hegseth indicated the strikes will continue until Houthi attacks cease. The U.S. aims to assert its stance against Iran, with heightened military operations expected. Casualties reported include many women and children, escalating concerns over civilian impacts and regional security dynamics.
Recent airstrikes by the United States against Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement will persist indefinitely, as affirmed by US officials. The initial strikes on Saturday resulted in the deaths of at least 31 individuals and injured approximately 100 more. These military actions serve as a punitive measure against the Houthis for their aggressions towards shipping routes in the Red Sea, marking President Donald Trump’s initial military intervention in the region since assuming office in January.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated, “The minute the Houthis say ‘we’ll stop shooting at your ships, we’ll stop shooting at your drones,’ this campaign will end, but until then it will be unrelenting.” This sentiment was echoed by other senior officials who emphasized that the operations are meant to convey a more assertive stance toward Iran and its influence in the Middle East.
In separate interviews, National Security Adviser Michael Waltz explained that the strikes aimed to eliminate key Houthi leaders, employing “overwhelming force” to signal to Iran that its actions were unacceptable. President Trump issued a stern warning to the Houthis via his Truth Social platform, demanding an end to their attacks, while also urging Iran to halt its support for the group.
The Houthis, who have controlled significant portions of Yemen over the past decade, have cited targeting international shipping as a form of solidarity with Palestinians and Hamas. This has included missile and drone attacks on Israel amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. On Sunday, Israeli officials reported investigating a missile launched from Yemen that landed near Sharm el-Sheikh, which may have had Israel in its sights.
In response to the US threats, Major General Hossein Salami of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards asserted that the Houthis are autonomous and act on their own strategic decisions. He warned that Iran would respond forcefully if the US escalated its military actions.
Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the US airstrikes as a violation of international law. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called for an end to US involvement in Yemen and support for Israel, emphasizing that the US has no authority over Iranian foreign policy.
Washington has intensified sanctions against Iran, aiming to compel discussions regarding its nuclear program. Observers speculate whether President Trump might resort to military actions against Iran following heightened pressure from Israel. The US Central Command described the airstrikes as the initiation of a broad military operation in Yemen, with indications that this campaign could extend over several weeks.
The Houthis are perceived as significant players within the “axis of resistance,” an Iranian-backed coalition of militant groups opposing Israel. As other members like Hamas and Hezbollah have faced losses due to recent conflicts, the Houthis remain relatively resilient.
Reports indicate that most casualties from the US strikes were women and children. Houthi officials denounced the attacks as a war crime, asserting that their forces are prepared to respond decisively.
Residents near the airstrike sites described the aftermath as devastating, with one resident recalling tremors and widespread panic. As rescue efforts began, first responders treated numerous individuals for injuries and retrieved bodies from the debris of the attacks, amid scenes of chaos in hospitals.
Historically, the previous US administration had taken a more restrained approach to neutralize the Houthi threat, resulting in limited military engagement. In recent statements, the Houthis declared their intention to resume attacks on Israeli vessels in the region following a ceasefire earlier in the year.
U.S. military records indicate the Houthis have attacked US warships and commercial vessels numerous times in 2023, underscoring the persistent tensions in the region, and leading to the current US military response.
In summary, the U.S. has committed to an indefinite continuation of airstrikes against the Houthi movement in Yemen following recent attacks that threaten shipping in the Red Sea. The offensive marks a significant shift in U.S. military engagement in the region under President Trump. As casualties rise and Iran’s support for the Houthis is scrutinized, the unfolding developments present a serious escalation of tensions in the Middle East. The outcome remains uncertain as both regional actors and the international community respond to the evolving situation.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
