Iran has denied allegations of aiding Yemen’s Houthi rebels following U.S. airstrikes that resulted in significant casualties. The Houthis have targeted shipping as part of a conflict linked to the Israel-Hamas war. While the U.S. holds Iran accountable, Iranian officials assert non-involvement in Houthi operations. Tensions rise as the Houthis threaten renewed attacks amidst humanitarian crises.
On Sunday, Iran categorically denied allegations of supporting Yemen’s Houthi rebels amidst U.S. airstrikes aimed at the militant group. President Donald Trump warned that Iran would be held ‘fully accountable’ for the actions of the Houthi forces, particularly in light of attacks on international shipping.
Reports indicated that the Houthi-run Health Ministry claimed the airstrikes resulted in at least 31 fatalities, including women and children, while injuring over 100 individuals. The Houthis asserted that one strike targeted two homes in northern Saada province, leading to the death of four children and a woman, as displayed on their Al-Masirah TV channel.
The Houthis have launched various missile and drone attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea, framing these aggressions as support for Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Although these attacks ceased following a fragile ceasefire in Gaza in January, the Houthis threatened a resurgence following Israel’s humanitarian blockade of the region.
The U.S. and allied nations have long accused Iran of supplying military assistance to the Houthis, evidenced by U.S. Navy interceptions of Iranian weaponry intended for the group controlling Yemen’s capital Sanaa.
Following the U.S. airstrikes, General Hossein Salami, the head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, claimed there was no Iranian involvement in the operations of allied militant groups, emphasizing that they do not influence their operational policies.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged the United States to halt its aggressive actions, asserting that Washington cannot dictate Iran’s foreign affairs. President Trump had earlier threatened to employ “overwhelming lethal force” against the Houthis until they cease their attacks on maritime shipping.
These airstrikes were initiated shortly after the Houthis indicated intentions to resume hostilities against Israeli vessels following the recent blockade on Gaza, though no attacks have been reported since the strikes. Historically, the Houthis have engaged over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones throughout their campaign against both military and civilian targets during the Israel-Hamas conflict. This latest U.S. operation signifies the first military action against the Houthis during the current Trump administration.
In summary, the ongoing tensions in Yemen have intensified following U.S. airstrikes against Houthi rebels, with Iran denying any involvement in aiding the group. The Houthis, embroiled in a broader conflict involving Israel, have previously made threatening gestures toward maritime shipping amidst their campaign against Israel and its allies. As President Trump warns of severe repercussions for Houthi aggression, the situation remains fraught with potential escalation, particularly in light of upcoming humanitarian challenges in Gaza.
Original Source: www.ksat.com
