Since Donald Trump started his second term as President, his decisions have been stirring controversy both in the U.S. and around the world. Whether it’s his changes to federal agencies or his trade policies, he’s made it clear that he is leading the country in his own way.
Now, his latest action has raised tensions even further. Trump has ordered U.S. airstrikes on areas in Yemen controlled by the Houthi rebels. He justified the attacks by saying they were necessary to protect American interests in the region, particularly to safeguard U.S. shipping and military operations.
“Our brave troops are carrying out airstrikes against terrorist bases, leaders, and missile systems to ensure the safety of American ships, aircraft, and naval forces,” Trump posted on social media. “No terrorist group will be allowed to threaten the free movement of U.S. and global vessels.”
The Houthi rebels reported heavy bombings in several cities, including Sanaa, Saada, Hodeida, Bayda, and Marib. According to the Houthi-run Health Ministry, at least 31 people, including women and children, have been killed, and more than 100 others injured.
Trump also issued a strong warning to Iran, cautioning it against supporting the Houthis. He stated that if Iran interferes, the U.S. will hold it fully responsible for any actions by the rebel group. This comes just two weeks after Trump had sent a letter to Iranian leaders proposing diplomatic talks over Iran’s nuclear program. However, with this latest attack, any hope for de-escalation now seems unlikely.
A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, said these strikes were just the beginning of a larger military operation against the Houthis.
In response, Houthi deputy media chief Nasruddin Amer vowed retaliation. He declared, “Sanaa will continue to stand with Gaza and will not back down, no matter the challenges.” Another Houthi spokesman, Mohamed Abdulsalam, dismissed Trump’s reasoning, calling the claims about Houthis threatening global shipping “false and misleading.”
Previously, the Houthis had warned they would attack ships linked to Israel in response to Israel’s blockade of Gaza. However, no such attacks had taken place since that warning.
Saturday’s airstrikes marked the first U.S. attack on the Houthis since Trump’s second term began. Unlike past operations that involved Israel and Britain, this mission was carried out solely by the U.S. military.
The USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, along with three Navy destroyers, a cruiser, and the USS Georgia submarine, played a key role in the attack on Houthi targets in the Red Sea.
Trump was at his golf club in West Palm Beach when he made the announcement. He justified the strikes by saying they were necessary to counter economic losses and maintain global stability.
“These constant disruptions have cost the U.S. and the world economy billions of dollars while also endangering innocent lives,” he stated.
With tensions at an all-time high, the situation in the region remains uncertain. The Houthis have promised retaliation, and Iran has yet to make a move. Many are now questioning whether these airstrikes were a one-time response or the beginning of a prolonged military conflict.
