U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, citing attacks on commercial and military ships in the Red Sea. The Houthis initiated these attacks shortly after the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023, claiming to target vessels with links to Israel, the United States, or the United Kingdom. These actions disrupted one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors, affecting vessels with varying degrees of connection to the conflict. The U.S. military operation included the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group and the USS Georgia cruise missile submarine.
The Houthi rebels have targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, resulting in the sinking of two vessels and the deaths of four sailors. Although attacks paused during a ceasefire in Gaza, the Houthis declared a resumption of attacks against any Israeli vessel after Israel cut off aid supplies to Gaza. Trump stated that the airstrikes were intended to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore navigational freedom. The U.S. had previously conducted strikes against Houthi-held areas in Yemen under the Biden administration, along with Israel and Britain.
The U.S. State Department has reinstated the “foreign terrorist organization” designation for the Houthis, imposing sanctions and penalties for providing material support to the group. Trump has also been pressing Iran to restart bilateral talks on Iran’s nuclear weapons program, warning he will not allow the program to become operational. He has levied new sanctions on Iran as part of his “maximum pressure” campaign, suggesting military action remains a possibility while still hoping for a new nuclear deal. Trump vowed to hold Iran “fully accountable” for the Houthis’ actions.
The recent U.S. airstrikes against Houthi rebels, authorized by President Trump, mark a significant escalation in response to attacks on commercial shipping. This military action underscores the ongoing tensions and potential for broader conflict stemming from the war in Gaza and the disruption of vital international trade routes.
“These relentless assaults have cost the U.S. and World Economy many BILLIONS of Dollars while, at the same time, putting innocent lives at risk,”