The United States launched airstrikes in Yemen on Saturday, targeting Iran-backed Houthi rebels in an effort to “defend American interests,” according to a Reuters report. The strikes resulted in 31 fatalities.
Trump also issued a stern warning to Iran, the primary backer of the Houthis, urging it to immediately cease support for the group. He added that if Iran posed a threat to the United States, “America will hold you fully accountable and we won’t be nice about it!”
Meanwhile, The US Central Command shared images on social media showing fighter jets launching from an aircraft carrier and a bomb striking a building compound in Yemen.
They said, “On March 15, US Central Command initiated a series of operations consisting of precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen to defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation.”
US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to announce the military operation against Houthi rebels in Yemen and issued a warning to Iran, urging the country to sever its ties with the group.
He said, “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 posted on his Truth Social platform.
The Houthis, an armed group that has held control of much of Yemen over the past decade, have launched numerous attacks on ships off its coast since November 2023. These assaults have disrupted global trade and prompted the US military to engage in an expensive campaign to intercept missiles and drones, depleting US air defense stockpiles.
Trump addressed Iran, stating, “Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY!
Do NOT threaten the American people, their President, who has received one of the largest mandates in presidential history, or global shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and we won’t be nice about it!”
Trump stated that the attacks were a response to the Houthi rebels obstructing shipping in the Red Sea and threatening American interests. He also criticized former President Joe Biden for his lack of action in addressing the Houthi threat.
In retaliation, the Houthis vowed that the strikes “will not pass without response.” In a statement broadcast on Al-Masirah TV, they declared, “Our Yemeni armed forces are fully prepared to confront escalation with escalation.”
