The US has launched a new campaign of intense airstrikes targeting Yemen’s Houthi rebels, killing at least 53 people and wounding others. The strikes are part of a wider pressure campaign by President Donald Trump aimed at the Houthis’ main benefactor, Iran.
The Houthis have attacked over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since November 2023, sinking two vessels and killing four sailors. Their leadership described the attacks as aiming to end the Israeli war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
In January 2024, the US and UK launched airstrikes against the Houthis under former President Joe Biden. However, the Trump administration appears willing to go after more targets, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying that some key people involved in missile launches are no longer alive and facilities used by the Houthis are no longer existing.
The new US campaign likely means more attacks on Houthi targets at sea or on land beyond American warships. The rebels have previously targeted oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which could lead to Gulf Arab countries distancing themselves from hostilities.
Iran has long armed the Houthis, but Tehran denies doing so despite physical evidence. The US has warned Iranian state officials that training Houthi leaders “will be on the table” as possible targets for attack.
The attacks are also seen as a signal to Iran to return to negotiations over its nuclear program. President Trump has been adamant about this, and his administration is determined to use overwhelming lethal force until it achieves its objective.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-us-strikes-iran-447f4abb39cc12c7f2f5596f0e33407b