President Donald Trump has announced a large-scale military operation targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen, marking a significant escalation in U.S. military action in the region. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump vowed to use “overwhelming lethal force” against the Iran-backed group, which has repeatedly attacked shipping lanes in the Red Sea.
Heavy Strikes and Rising Casualties
According to reports from Yemen’s Houthi-controlled health ministry, at least 31 people, including women and children, were killed, and over 100 others were injured in the strikes. The U.S. military targeted key Houthi infrastructure, including missile sites and command centers. Explosions rocked Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, as well as other key locations, including Taiz and Saada.
Trump justified the strikes as necessary to protect American and allied vessels, stating, “No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.”
Iran Responds, U.S. Vows Continued Action
The Iranian government, a key supporter of the Houthis, condemned the strikes. Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi fired back on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The United States has no authority to dictate Iranian foreign policy. End your support for Israeli genocide and terrorism.”
Despite Iran’s warnings, Trump signaled that further action was imminent, with defense officials confirming that additional strikes could take place in the coming weeks. “This is not a one-time operation,” a senior U.S. military source told CNN. “Expect a sustained effort to degrade Houthi capabilities.”
Congress Briefed, Russia Watches Closely
The White House briefed key members of Congress on the military campaign over the weekend, though some lawmakers have expressed concern over potential escalation in the region. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also spoke with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, reiterating that continued Houthi aggression in the Red Sea “will not be tolerated.
Russia, which had previously considered arming the Houthis, reportedly backed off due to U.S. and Saudi Arabian pressure. However, it remains to be seen whether Moscow will respond to the latest developments.
Escalating Conflict in the Red Sea
The U.S. has been engaged in efforts to weaken the Houthis for months, particularly as the group has ramped up attacks on international shipping. Since the outbreak of Israel’s war in Gaza, the Houthis have launched more than 100 strikes on vessels, claiming the attacks are in retaliation for Israeli military actions.
The Biden administration had previously carried out limited strikes on Houthi positions in late 2024, but those actions failed to deter further attacks. Trump, in contrast, has framed his response as a more aggressive and sustained military strategy.
Trump’s Warning to Houthis: ‘Your Time Is Up’
In a fiery post, Trump blamed the Biden administration for allowing the Houthis to grow bolder. He argued that U.S. commercial ships have been unable to safely transit the Red Sea for over a year, and that American warships have faced relentless attacks.
“To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP,” Trump declared. “IF THEY DON’T STOP, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!
With tensions escalating rapidly, the world watches closely to see how the situation unfolds—and whether Iran will retaliate.
