Washington: US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he has ordered a military strike against Houthi forces in Yemen, vowing to protect American shipping and restore navigational freedom in the region.
According to Anadolu Agency, the strikes target Houthi bases, leaders, and missile defenses in response to repeated attacks on American and allied vessels, the US president said. Trump accused the Iran-backed Houthis of engaging in piracy, violence, and terrorism, which he argued has disrupted the global economy and endangered lives.
Trump emphasized that no terrorist force would prevent American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing global waterways. He pledged to use “overwhelming lethal force” until the objectives are achieved. Trump also issued a warning to Iran, demanding an end to its support for the Houthis and cautioning against threats to American interests and global shipping lanes.
The Houthi attacks on Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea began in late 2023, in solidarity with Gaza, disrupting global trade. These attacks ceased with the Gaza ceasefire in January, but the Houthis threatened to resume attacks when Israel blocked aid into Gaza after the ceasefire’s first phase ended in early March.