New Delhi: On Saturday, the United States conducted airstrikes in Yemen, resulting in 24 deaths as part of an operation aimed at targeting Iran-supported Houthi rebels and safeguarding American interests, according to a report by Reuters.
The US Central Command shared images on social media depicting fighter jets launching from an aircraft carrier and a bomb striking a compound in Yemen.
In their statement, they noted, “On March 15, US Central Command commenced a series of operations involving precision strikes against Iran-aligned Houthi positions throughout Yemen to protect American interests, deter adversaries, and ensure freedom of navigation.”
US President Donald Trump also utilized Truth Social to announce the military action against the Houthi rebels in Yemen and issued a warning to Iran regarding its association with the group.
He stated, “Today, I have directed the United States Military to execute decisive and robust military action against the Houthi terrorists in Yemen. They have engaged in a relentless campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American and other vessels, aircraft, and drones.”
In his remarks directed at Iran, Trump emphasized, “Support for the Houthi terrorists must cease IMMEDIATELY! Do NOT threaten the American People or their President, who has received one of the largest mandates in Presidential History, nor the global shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, as America will hold you fully accountable, and we will not be lenient!”
Trump asserted that the strikes were a direct response to the Houthi rebels obstructing shipping in the Red Sea and jeopardizing American interests. He also criticized former President Joe Biden for his lack of action in addressing the Houthi threat.
The Houthis have declared that the recent strikes “will not go unanswered.” In a statement broadcasted on Al-Masirah TV, they asserted, “Our Yemeni armed forces are fully equipped to respond to escalation with escalation.”
The Yemeni health ministry reported that 20 individuals have lost their lives, with at least nine others sustaining injuries. On the Houthi Ansarollah website, the strikes were denounced as “US-British aggression” and labeled as “criminal brutality” by the Trump administration.
On Tuesday, the Houthis announced their plans to renew efforts to disrupt shipping in the Red Sea and exert control over global shipping routes until Israel lifts its blockade on aid to Palestinians.
Earlier this month, the United States, a key ally of Israel, designated the Houthis as a “foreign terrorist organization,” citing that they have attacked the nation’s warships 174 times and its commercial vessels 145 times since the beginning of 2023.
