President Trump has initiated a series of airstrikes on the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, targeting Iran-backed Houthi rebels. He vowed to continue using "overwhelming lethal force" until the rebels halt their attacks on a crucial maritime route. According to the Houthis, the strikes resulted in the deaths of nine civilians.
In a social media statement, Trump declared that U.S. forces are actively targeting the rebels' bases, leaders, and missile defenses to safeguard American shipping and ensure free navigation. He emphasized that no terrorist group would be allowed to impede American commercial and naval vessels.
Trump also issued a stern warning to Iran, demanding they cease their support for the Houthis and holding them "fully accountable" for the group's actions. This development follows a recent letter from Trump to Iranian leaders, proposing a potential renewal of talks concerning Iran's nuclear weapons program, which he insists will not be allowed to progress.
The Houthis reported multiple explosions in their territory on Saturday evening, with images online showing thick black smoke near the Sanaa airport complex, which includes a military facility. Anees al-Asbahi, a spokesman for the Houthi health ministry, confirmed nine fatalities and nine injuries.
Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Houthi media office, insisted the airstrikes would not deter them and vowed retaliation against the U.S. He stated on social media that Sanaa would continue to support Gaza despite the challenges.
The airstrikes follow the Houthis' announcement of resuming attacks on Israeli ships near Yemen in retaliation for Israel's blockade on Gaza. No Houthi attacks have been reported since that announcement.
Earlier, Israel had halted aid to Gaza and warned of further actions against Hamas if their ceasefire was not extended amid ongoing negotiations for a second phase.
The Houthis have previously targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, resulting in the sinking of two ships and the deaths of four sailors during the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began in late 2023. The ceasefire in Gaza took effect in January.
These attacks have elevated the Houthis' profile as they grapple with economic challenges and a crackdown on dissent and aid workers within Yemen, a nation ravaged by a decade-long conflict.
The Houthi media office claimed the U.S. strikes hit a residential area in Sanaa's Shouab district. Residents reported that at least four airstrikes shook the Eastern Geraf neighborhood, causing panic among women and children.
"The explosions felt like an earthquake," said local resident Abdallah al-Alffi.
Previously, the U.S., Israel, and Britain have conducted strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, though Israel's military declined to comment on the recent events.
Saturday's operation was carried out solely by the U.S., marking the first strike on the Houthis under Trump's second term. This follows a period of relative calm in the region.
The Biden administration had previously conducted similar strikes in response to frequent Houthi attacks on commercial and military vessels.
The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group, including the carrier, three Navy destroyers, and one cruiser, participated in the mission. The USS Georgia cruise missile submarine is also operating in the area.
Trump announced the strikes while at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, highlighting the economic and human costs of the ongoing conflict.