WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. —
On Saturday, President Donald Trump declared that he has authorized a series of airstrikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. He emphasized the use of “overwhelming lethal force” until these Iranian-aligned militants halt their attacks on vital shipping routes that are essential for global trade.
In a social media post, Trump stated, “Our dedicated Warfighters are currently conducting airstrikes targeting the bases, leadership, and missile sites of these terrorists to protect American maritime, aerial, and naval interests while restoring Freedom of Navigation.” He further asserted, “No terrorist organization will obstruct American commercial and naval vessels from navigating the World’s Waters without hindrance.”
Trump also issued a stern warning to Iran, calling for an end to their support for the Houthi movement and pledging to hold Iran “fully accountable” for the actions of its proxies. This announcement comes on the heels of a letter sent by the U.S. President to Iranian officials two weeks earlier, proposing a possible avenue for resuming talks about Iran’s advancing nuclear program, which he has vowed to prevent from becoming operational.
Houthi reports indicated a series of explosions occurred on their territory on Saturday night. Images circulating online show large clouds of black smoke rising from the area near the Sanaa airport, which houses a significant military installation.
The airstrikes were launched shortly after the Houthis announced their intention to resume attacks on Israeli vessels in the waters off Yemen, in retaliation for Israel’s blockade of Gaza. However, no Houthi attacks have been reported since that announcement.
Earlier this month, Israel halted all humanitarian aid to Gaza and warned of “additional consequences” for Hamas if the fragile truce in the ongoing conflict is not extended, as discussions for a second phase of peace talks continue.
The Houthis had previously indicated their plans to extend their operations in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and Arabian Sea.
From the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in late 2023 until the ceasefire in January of this year, the Houthis targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, resulting in two vessels being sunk and four sailors losing their lives.
These aggressive actions significantly elevated the Houthis’ profile, even as they faced local economic difficulties and increased crackdowns on dissent and humanitarian workers amid Yemen’s ongoing crisis, which has devastated one of the Arab world’s poorest nations.
The United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom have previously conducted strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. However, Israel’s military has not commented on the latest developments.
According to the Houthi media office, the U.S. airstrikes affected “a residential area” in the northern Shouab district of Sanaa. Local residents reported that at least four airstrikes rattled the Eastern Geraf neighborhood, causing panic among families, particularly among women and children.
“The explosions were incredibly powerful,” commented Abdallah al-Alffi. “It felt like an earthquake.”
A U.S. official confirmed that the operations targeting the Houthis were solely carried out by the United States. This marks the first airstrike against the Yemen-based Houthis during Trump’s second term and follows a period of relative calm in the region.
Previous extensive missile strikes against the Houthis were conducted several times during the Biden administration in response to frequent attacks on commercial and military vessels.
Currently, the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group, which includes the aircraft carrier, three Navy destroyers, and one cruiser, is stationed in the Red Sea as part of the mission, in addition to the USS Georgia cruise missile submarine that has been active in the region.
Trump announced the airstrikes while at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
“These ongoing attacks have resulted in significant financial losses for the U.S. and the global economy, amounting to billions of dollars, while endangering innocent lives,” Trump remarked.
—Baldor reported from Washington and Magdy from Cairo. AP White House Correspondent Zeke Miller contributed from Washington.
