The United States has confirmed that its airstrikes against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen will continue indefinitely following a major offensive on Saturday that resulted in at least 31 deaths and 100 injuries.
US Military’s Response and Justification
The strikes were launched in retaliation for Houthi attacks on international shipping routes in the Red Sea, marking a significant escalation in US military operations in the region.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated, “The minute the Houthis say ‘we’ll stop shooting at your ships, we’ll stop shooting at your drones,’ this campaign will end, but until then it will be unrelenting.”
The Biden administration had previously sought diplomatic and sanction-based measures against the Houthis, but the recent resurgence in Houthi attacks led the Trump administration to take direct military action.
Trump’s Strong Warning to the Houthis and Iran
Former President Donald Trump, who recently took office again in January, issued a firm warning through his Truth Social platform, stating:
“To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON’T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!”
Trump also warned Iran, urging it to immediately halt its support for the Houthis, a key proxy force in the so-called ‘axis of resistance’ that includes Hezbollah, Hamas, and other Iran-backed militant groups.
US Strikes Target Houthi Leaders and Military Infrastructure
According to US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, the strikes specifically targeted key Houthi military leaders and strategic locations across Yemen. The operation involved:
- Fighter jets from the USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier stationed in the Red Sea.
- Precision-guided missiles targeting Houthi command centers and missile launch sites.
- Attacks on military warehouses and drone-launching facilities.
A Pentagon official confirmed that operations could last for weeks, emphasizing that the objective is to cripple the Houthis’ ability to launch future attacks on global shipping routes and regional allies.
Regional Tensions and Iran’s Response
Iran has condemned the US strikes, calling them a “gross violation of international law.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of hypocrisy, stating:
“End support for Israeli genocide and terrorism. Stop killing of Yemeni people.”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards commander, Maj Gen Hossein Salami, warned of a strong Iranian response if the US continues its attacks, although Tehran has officially denied direct control over the Houthis.
Houthi Counteroffensive and Civilian Casualties
The Houthi political bureau has labeled the US airstrikes as a war crime, vowing to respond in kind:
“Our Yemeni armed forces are fully prepared to respond to escalation with escalation.”
The Houthi-run health ministry reported that women and children were among the casualties, with images of destruction in Sana’a showing hospitals overwhelmed with injured civilians.
Strategic Importance of the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait
The Houthis have been targeting international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, claiming their attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
A Pentagon spokesperson revealed that since 2023, the Houthis have attacked US warships 174 times and commercial vessels 145 times.
Future Implications for the Middle East
With tensions at an all-time high, experts warn that continued US airstrikes could push the region into a broader conflict involving Iran. Additionally, pressure from Israel could influence whether Trump expands military action beyond Yemen.
The situation remains volatile as both sides prepare for further escalation, with the US military prepared for extended operations and the Houthis vowing retaliation.
