President Donald Trump has authorized a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen, aiming to counter the Iran-backed group’s assaults on international shipping routes. The operation seeks to safeguard American naval and commercial vessels and reassert freedom of navigation in the region.
In a social media post Trump shared: “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. No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.”
According to the Houthi-run Health Ministry, the bombings have resulted in at least 31 fatalities, including women and children, and injured 101 others. The ministry’s spokesperson, Anees al-Asbahi, confirmed these figures on Sunday.
In a social media statement, President Trump emphasized the necessity of the strikes to protect U.S. interests, stating, “No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.” He further cautioned Iran to cease its support for the Houthis, holding Tehran “fully accountable” for the group’s actions.
The airstrikes follow the Houthis’ declaration to resume attacks on Israeli vessels in retaliation for Israel’s blockade on Gaza. Between late 2023 and January 2025, the Houthis targeted over 100 merchant ships with missiles and drones, resulting in the sinking of two vessels and the deaths of four sailors. These actions have significantly disrupted international maritime trade in the Red Sea and surrounding waters.
Houthi officials vowed retaliation. Nasruddin Amer, a senior Houthi official, declared that the strikes would not deter them and reaffirmed their support for Gaza. Another spokesman, Mohamed Abdulsalam, dismissed claims that the Houthis threaten global shipping as “false and misleading.”
The ongoing conflict in Yemen has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions facing food insecurity and inadequate access to essential services. The recent escalation raises concerns about further deterioration of conditions for civilians in the affected regions.
