President Donald Trump has ordered airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, citing threats to global shipping and U.S. interests. The Houthis have targeted military and commercial ships in the Red Sea, particularly those associated with Israel, the U.S., and the U.K., amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. Over 100 merchant ships were attacked, causing significant economic damage and loss of lives before a ceasefire in January temporarily halted the assaults. The Houthis recently declared they would resume attacks after Israel cut off aid to Gaza. The U.S. Navy's carrier strike group, including the USS Harry S. Truman, participated in the mission to protect American assets and ensure navigational freedom. Trump's actions are also aimed at pressuring Iran, holding it accountable for supporting the Houthis and other regional proxies. The move is part of Trump’s broader strategy to counter Iran's influence and address its advancing nuclear program. The U.S. has reinstated terrorist designations for the Houthis and imposed fresh sanctions on Iran.
The United States and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are both promising further escalation following U.S. airstrikes intended to stop the rebels from attacking commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea, a pivotal global shipping route. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump signaled a sustained U.S. military response until the rebels cease their activities. The Houthis, who claim their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, warned they would retaliate. The recent strikes killed at least 31 people, including civilians, and targeted multiple Houthi leaders. Despite Iran’s denial of involvement, the U.S. accuses Tehran of providing military support to the Houthis. The U.S. Navy's involvement is the largest since World War II, with a significant naval presence in the Red Sea aiding the operation. The conflict marks a significant escalation in U.S.-Houthi tensions, with broader geopolitical implications involving Israel and Iran.
On Saturday, President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes on areas held by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, aiming to stop their attacks on maritime routes. The strikes are reported to have killed at least 31 people, including women and children. Trump's national security adviser claimed the strikes targeted multiple Houthi leaders effectively. Trump warned Iran to cease supporting the Houthis, threatening full accountability. This comes weeks after offers for bilateral talks on Iran's nuclear program. The Houthis vowed to retaliate, asserting they would continue supporting Gaza and denying threats to shipping routes. These actions follow Israel's blockade on Gaza and threats from Houthis to resume attacks on Israeli vessels. The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group participated in the mission. The airstrikes mark the first by the U.S. under Trump's second administration, following similar actions during Biden's presidency against Houthi threats to commercial and military ships.
The U.S. military launched air and naval strikes in Sanaa, Yemen, on Saturday, following orders from President Trump, in retaliation to attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels against ships in the Red Sea. Trump described the attacks as a show of force towards Iran, while seeking a nuclear deal. The strikes resulted in more than 30 deaths and 100 injuries, according to the Houthi health ministry. This offensive marks the first under the Trump administration and aims to deter Iran from supporting the Houthis, who have attacked ships in an attempt to strike Israel and its allies. Iran responded by demanding the U.S. stop the violence in Yemen.
A federal judge temporarily halted the Trump administration's attempt to use the 227-year-old Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport five Venezuelan nationals. This wartime measure had only been used during the War of 1812, WWI, and WWII previously. The ACLU and Democracy Forward argued this action was unlawful since the U.S. is not at war with Venezuela. President Trump claimed that gang members from Venezuela's Tren de Aragua were conducting irregular warfare in the U.S. Additionally, Trump ordered airstrikes on Yemen’s capital in response to Houthi threats, killed at least 13 civilians, and succeeded in an appeal to end support for DEI programs. Government-employed journalists at Voice of America were put on leave following Trump’s order to eliminate the USAGM. Protests against Elon Musk and his association with Trump resulted in vandalism of Tesla properties. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth continued to influence Pentagon policies aligning with his opinions from his Fox News career. Meanwhile, severe tornadoes caused 32 deaths across several U.S. states, and new travel restrictions were considered for citizens from numerous countries.
Mike Waltz, President Donald Trump's national security adviser, stated that the use of force against Iran is a possibility due to its support for Yemen's Houthi rebels and potential development of nuclear weapons. In an interview on ABC's "This Week," Waltz emphasized that all actions are on the table and urged Iran to heed this warning. The comments follow recent U.S. strikes on Houthi targets, which Waltz described as a significant response compared to the previous administration's approach. Iranian General Hossein Salami denied backing the Houthis but warned of a strong response to any threats against Iran. Waltz highlighted that Trump's administration would not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon, with all aspects of Iran's nuclear program being subject to scrutiny and potential action.
U.S. Launches Airstrikes Against Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen
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