U.S. and Houthi Rebels Vow Escalation Following U.S. Airstrikes in Yemen
The U.S. and Houthi rebels vow escalation after U.S. airstrikes target Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Trump urged the use of lethal force, while the Houthis committed to retaliate. Iran denies involvement in the Houthi actions, highlighting the tensions in regional politics.
The United States and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are pursuing escalation following recent U.S. airstrikes aimed at deterring rebel attacks on crucial maritime vessels. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the United States’ commitment by stating, “We’re not going to have these people controlling which ships can go through and which ones cannot.” He also remarked that these strikes are not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy to diminish Houthi capabilities.
Former President Donald Trump declared the use of “overwhelming lethal force” against the Houthis, asserting that Iran would be held accountable for their actions. In recent months, Houthis have increased their attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, asserting these acts are in solidarity with Palestinians amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. Despite a ceasefire in January, the Houthis threatened renewed attacks following Israel’s recent humanitarian aid cut to Gaza.
The Houthis’ Health Ministry reported that U.S. airstrikes resulted in at least 31 fatalities, including women and children, and left over 100 individuals injured in Sanaa and the northern Saada province. These strikes represent one of the significant U.S. offensives against the Houthis since the escalation of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, targeting key Houthi leadership according to Trump’s national security adviser, Michael Waltz.
Rubio noted the Houthis’ aggression directed towards the U.S. Navy, citing 174 direct attacks in the past 18 months, which have resulted in heightened military engagement by U.S. forces. In response to these U.S. actions, the Houthi leadership pledged retaliation, claiming they would respond to escalation with their own counteractions.
Meanwhile, Iran defended its position, with Gen. Hossein Salami of the Revolutionary Guard denying involvement in the Houthi aggression, claiming Iran does not influence the operational policies of allied militant groups. Furthermore, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called for an end to U.S. airstrikes, rejecting Washington’s attempts to dictate Iran’s foreign policies.
The airstrikes signal a new chapter of direct engagement by the United States against the Houthis, conducted unilaterally and particularly notable as it marks a critical moment for the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group in the Red Sea. With the carrier and associated naval vessels part of the operation, attention remains focused on the evolving situation and the ongoing impact of these military actions.
In summary, the U.S. and Houthi rebels are poised for further escalation following U.S. airstrikes aimed at curbing Houthi assaults on shipping in the Red Sea. Senior officials from both sides emphasize their commitment to military action, while Iran denies any involvement in Houthi operations. As the situation develops, the potential for conflict remains critical, particularly with ongoing U.S. naval operations in the region.
Original Source: www.channel3000.com
