United States President Donald Trump authorised large-scale strikes against the Iran-aligned Houthi group in Yemen on Saturday, citing the need to protect Red Sea shipping from continued assaults by the rebels. The initial wave of strikes reportedly resulted in the deaths of 31 individuals, with many more injured, thus initiating a military campaign expected to extend over several days.
Trump’s call to action came amidst a backdrop of rising tensions with Iran, the Houthis’ primary supporter, as the U.S. ramps up sanctions aimed at curbing Tehran’s influence and nuclear ambitions. In a stark warning directed at Iran, Trump stated, “If you threaten the United States, America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it.”
The campaign marks a significant military operation in the Middle East for Trump’s administration since he took office in January. According to a U.S. official speaking with Reuters, the strikes may persist for weeks, suggesting a prolonged confrontation in the region.
Trump used his Truth Social platform to send a clear message to the Houthis, declaring, “To all Houthi terrorists, your time is up. Your attacks must stop, starting today. If they don’t stop, hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before.”
As a result of the strikes, reports from the Houthi-run health ministry indicate that 31 people have died, with a further 101 wounded, many of whom are women and children. The Houthis’ political bureau condemned the aerial bombardment as a “war crime,” emphasising that their armed forces are “fully prepared to respond to escalation with escalation.”
Local residents in the capital city of Sanaa identified the location of the strikes as a building within a Houthi stronghold, reflecting the deepening humanitarian crisis in Yemen, which has been ravaged by years of conflict.