US President Donald Trump says he is ready to use “overwhelming lethal force” until Iranian-backed Houthi rebels cease their attacks on shipping along a vital maritime corridor.
US President Donald Trump launched a series of airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, promising to use “overwhelming lethal force” until Iranian-backed Houthi rebels stop attacking ships in a vital maritime corridor. Nine civilians were killed, according to the Houthis.
In a social media post, Trump said, “Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom,” adding, “No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.”
He also warned Iran against supporting the rebel group, vowing to hold the country “fully accountable” for its proxy’s actions. The warning comes two weeks after Trump sent a letter to Iranian leaders offering a path to restart bilateral talks on Iran’s advancing nuclear weapons program, something he has vowed not to let become operational.
The airstrikes follow a recent Houthi declaration that they would resume attacks on Israeli vessels in response to Israel’s blockade of Gaza. No Houthi attacks have been reported since that statement.
The Houthis reported a series of explosions in their territory Saturday evening. Residents said at least four airstrikes struck the Eastern Geraf neighborhood, where terrified families were caught in the blasts.
Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Houthi media office, insisted the airstrikes would not deter the group, vowing retaliation against the U.S. “Sanaa will remain Gaza’s shield and support and will not abandon it no matter the challenges,” he wrote on social media.
While the US, Israel, and Britain have previously launched strikes on Houthi-controlled areas, Israel’s military declined to comment on Saturday’s operation.
A US official confirmed that the strikes were carried out solely by American forces, the first such operation under Trump’s second administration, following a period of relative calm in the region.
