THE United States launched a series of airstrikes in Yemen on Saturday, killing at least 24 individuals as part of its offensive against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
The military operation, ordered by US President Donald Trump, was aimed at protecting American interests and restoring freedom of navigation in the region.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) released images on social media showing fighter jets departing from an aircraft carrier and a bomb striking a building compound in Yemen.
The command stated that the strikes were precision-targeted operations designed to deter hostile actions in the Red Sea.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump confirmed the military action, asserting that the strikes were necessary due to the Houthis’ persistent assaults on international shipping and American assets.
He stated, “Today, I have ordered the United States Military to launch decisive and powerful Military action against the Houthi terrorists in Yemen. They have waged an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American, and other, ships, aircraft, and drones.
Trump also issued a stern warning to Iran, demanding that it sever ties with the Houthis.
“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 Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it!”
The offensive came as the Houthis intensified their campaign to obstruct global shipping through the Red Sea. The rebel group had earlier declared their intent to disrupt maritime traffic until Israel lifted its blockade on aid to Palestinians.
According to Yemen’s health ministry, 20 people lost their lives in the airstrikes, while at least nine others sustained injuries.
The Houthis, through their Ansarollah website, condemned the assault, denouncing it as “US-British aggression” and “criminal brutality” by the Trump administration.
In response to the strikes, the Houthis vowed retaliation. In a statement aired on Al-Masirah TV, the group declared, “Our Yemeni armed forces are fully prepared to confront escalation with escalation.”
Tensions between the US and the Houthis have been rising, with Washington recently reclassifying the group as a “foreign terrorist organisation.”
The US alleges that the Houthis have attacked its warships 174 times and targeted commercial vessels 145 times since 2023.
Trump also used the opportunity to criticise his predecessor, Joe Biden, for what he described as inaction in handling the Houthi threat.
The developments mark a significant escalation in the conflict, with the potential to further destabilise the already volatile region.
