President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, targeting Iranian-backed Houthi rebels who have been attacking American shipping along a vital maritime corridor. He vowed to use “overwhelming lethal force” until the attacks cease. Trump warned Iran to stop supporting the rebels, promising to hold the country accountable.
The airstrikes come after the Houthis threatened to resume attacks on Israeli vessels in response to the blockade on Gaza. The Houthis had previously targeted over 100 merchant vessels, sinking two and killing four sailors. The attacks raised the group’s profile amid economic problems and a crackdown on dissent at home.
The U.S., Israel, and Britain have previously targeted Houthi-held areas in Yemen. The recent strikes on Sanaa were conducted solely by the U.S. and included a carrier strike group and a cruise missile submarine. Trump announced the strikes while at his golf club in Florida.
These airstrikes mark the first under the second Trump administration and follow a period of relative quiet in the region. The Biden administration had previously conducted similar strikes in response to Houthi attacks on commercial and military vessels.
The Houthis reported explosions in Sanaa, and residents described the airstrikes as terrifying. Though Israel’s military declined to comment, the U.S. official confirmed the operation was carried out solely by the U.S. This military response comes amidst ongoing tensions in the region and efforts to address Iran’s nuclear program.
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