The U.S. and Iranian-backed Houthis are escalating tensions after U.S. airstrikes killed at least 53 in Yemen. U.S. officials vow to counter Houthi attacks on shipping. The Houthis have threatened retaliation, linking their actions to support for Palestine amidst regional conflicts. The situation raises serious humanitarian concerns in Yemen.
The United States and Iran-backed Houthi rebels have both announced intentions to escalate tensions following recent U.S. airstrikes aimed at deterring Houthi attacks on military and commercial shipping in key maritime routes. The Houthi Health Ministry reported that these strikes resulted in at least 53 fatalities, including women and children, and caused substantial injuries in the capital, Sanaa, and across other provinces.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “We’re not going to have these people controlling which ships can go through and which ones cannot.” He emphasized that U.S. responses would persist until Houthi capabilities to threaten shipping are neutralized. Furthermore, President Donald Trump declared his commitment to employing “overwhelming lethal force” against the Houthis while indicating that Iran would accept accountability for the actions of its allies.
The Houthis have historically targeted vessels in the Red Sea, claiming these actions are expressions of solidarity with the Palestinian cause amid conflicts with Israel and Hamas. Although attacks ceased during a ceasefire, the Houthis recently vowed to recommence targeting Israeli vessels, particularly after humanitarian aid to Gaza was restricted.
The U.S. airstrikes represent one of the most significant military actions against the Houthis since the resurgence of conflict in the region. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz confirmed that key Houthi leaders were among the targets, though specific identities were not disclosed. Rubio additionally remarked on the destruction of Houthi facilities.
In response, the Houthi leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, proclaimed that they would counteract any escalation from the U.S. with their own attacks, stating, “We will confront escalation with escalation.” The Houthis have previously targeted U.S. naval assets and have recently claimed missile and drone strikes against the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group.
A U.S. official revealed that in retaliation for the airstrikes, the Houthis engaged in a series of drone and missile launches, although most were successfully intercepted. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson emphasized the need for restraint amidst Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, urging a halt to military actions.
Rubio noted that the frequency of Houthi attacks against the U.S. Navy had escalated over the last 18 months, totaling 174 direct assault incidents. Iranian officials, meanwhile, have dismissed accusations of their involvement in Houthi operations, arguing that they do not dictate the rebels’ military strategies. Despite such denials, U.S. intelligence claims to possess evidence of Iranian military support to the Houthis, a point of contention in regional security discussions.
The ongoing conflict between the United States and the Iran-backed Houthis has intensified following recent airstrikes by the U.S. aimed at disrupting Houthi-led threats to maritime commerce. Both parties have vowed to escalate their military engagements. Amidst rising tensions, the humanitarian situation in Yemen deteriorates further, prompting calls for restraint from international figures, including the U.N. Secretary-General.
Original Source: www.kgns.tv
