The U.S. has launched significant military actions against Yemen’s Houthis due to attacks on Red Sea shipping that resulted in several deaths. President Trump has warned Iran to cease its support of the Houthis, while the group maintains a resolve to continue its operations. The situation poses severe implications for regional stability and humanitarian conditions in Yemen.
The United States has initiated its most significant military operation against the Houthi rebels in Yemen since Donald Trump’s administration began. This action follows a series of Houthi assaults on Red Sea shipping, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 53 individuals, including five children and two women, with 98 others injured, as reported by the Houthi-run health ministry.
President Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, the Houthis’ primary supporter, demanding an immediate cessation of its backing for the group, stating, “America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it!” In retaliation, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi threatened to continue targeting U.S. ships in the Red Sea as long as American attacks persist.
The Houthis, a Shiite Muslim faction, seized Yemen’s capital of Sana’a in 2014 and have maintained significant territorial control during the protracted civil war. Their origins trace back to the 1990s when the Houthi family established a revival movement for the Zaydi sect of Shiite Islam, ultimately leading to conflict with the Yemeni government and Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Sarah Phillips, a global conflict expert, noted that the Houthis derive their legitimacy from their stance against America and their support for Palestinian causes. This narrative has contributed to their regional acknowledgment amidst Yemen’s dire circumstances.
The Houthis have recently intensified their military posture, launching attacks purportedly directed at Israeli-affiliated shipping in solidarity with Palestine. Such actions have disrupted global trade, necessitating rerouted shipping lanes, ultimately straining the international shipping industry.
In response to the escalation, President Trump authorized airstrikes against Houthi positions, vowing to utilize “overwhelming lethal force” until the rebels cease their assaults on critical maritime routes, which support a substantial portion of global shipping. Trump pointedly stated, “No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards commander, Hossein Salami, emphasized the autonomy of the Houthis in their operational decisions, warning that Iran would retaliate decisively against threats. Dr. Sarah Phillips expressed skepticism regarding the efficacy of U.S. military actions, attributing the Houthis’ resilience to their prolonged conflict experience and adaptability following assaults.
In light of these developments, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged all parties to exercise restraint, warning that intensifying military actions could aggravate the continuously worsening humanitarian crisis within Yemen. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored the connection between the Houthis’ capabilities and Iran’s support, asserting that U.S. actions were a clear message directed at Tehran regarding its involvement in regional tensions.
The U.S. military operation against the Houthis stems from escalating attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, which have caused significant casualties and disruptions. While Trump has taken a hard stance against Iran, the Houthis’ resilience complicates the situation, raising concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The international community, including the U.N., calls for restraint to mitigate further destabilization.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
