The U.S. and Iran-backed Houthis have vowed to escalate tensions following U.S. airstrikes aimed at deterring Houthi attacks on maritime vessels. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the determination to prevent Houthi control over shipping routes, while President Trump vowed strong retaliatory measures. The Houthis reported significant civilian casualties from the strikes, and tensions continue to rise amid ongoing regional conflicts.
The United States and Iran-backed Houthi rebels have both threatened to escalate conflict following recent U.S. airstrikes aimed at deterring Houthi attacks on military and commercial vessels in a crucial shipping corridor. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. will ensure that the Houthis do not control maritime passage, emphasizing that the strikes are part of a sustained response rather than isolated actions undertaken by the Biden administration.
In a statement made Saturday, President Donald Trump pledged to employ “overwhelming lethal force” to compel the Houthis to cease their attacks, holding Iran accountable for its support of the rebels. The Houthis had previously assaulted international shipping in the Red Sea, claiming solidarity with Palestinians amidst hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
Despite a lull following a ceasefire in January, the Houthis recently announced intentions to resume attacks against Israeli vessels after Israel restricted humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Houthis reported that the U.S. strikes resulted in casualties of at least 31 individuals, including women and children, with over 100 others injured, marking a significant escalation in military operations since the Gaza conflict intensified in October 2023.
Michael Waltz, Trump’s national security adviser, mentioned that these strikes aimed at eliminating key Houthi leaders, although he did not provide specific details. In response, the Houthis vowed to escalate their actions against U.S. interests, claiming to have engaged the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group with missile and drone attacks, although U.S. officials have contested these claims.
The U.N. Secretary-General’s spokesperson urged for restraint and cessation of military activities due to the severe humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Rubio highlighted that the Houthis had attacked the U.S. Navy numerous times, indicating rising tensions and significant military engagements resembling those not seen since World War II.
Iranian officials denied any involvement in Houthi operations, asserting that they do not dictate the rebels’ actions. Nevertheless, the United States has accused Iran of supplying military aid, citing incidents involving the seizure of Iranian-made missiles intended for the Houthis. The current U.S. operation represents a significant shift by solely conducting airstrikes against Houthi targets for the first time under Trump’s administration, with naval forces actively engaged in the region.
The article outlines recent escalations between the U.S. and Houthi rebels in Yemen, driven by airstrikes targeting Houthi capabilities to disrupt maritime security. Both the U.S. government and Houthi officials indicate intentions to escalate military actions, reflecting a complex regional dynamic involving Iran. The situation has raised international concern regarding the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, with calls for restraint amidst ongoing violence. The implications of these developments are significant for regional stability and U.S. foreign policy.
Original Source: www.local10.com
