WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. launched airstrikes on Houthi areas in Yemen on Saturday. President Donald Trump said he will keep attacking until the Iran-backed rebels stop hitting ships. Reports say 31 people died.
Protecting Trade Routes
Trump said the strikes keep U.S. and allied ships safe.
“Our military operation is targeting enemy bases to protect the U.S. and world shipping. No terrorist group will stop free travel on the seas,” he said.
He warned Iran to stop helping the Houthis, saying they will be “fully responsible.” This comes after Trump offered Iran a chance to restart nuclear talks, which he says must not continue.
Airstrikes Hit Houthi Targets
The Houthis reported explosions in these areas:
- Sanaa (Capital City) – Strikes hit near the airport and a military base.
- Saada (Northern Province) – Attacks hit rebel strongholds.
- Hodeida, Bayda, and Marib – More airstrikes overnight.
The Houthi-run Health Ministry said 31 people, including women and children, died. Another 101 were hurt.
A U.S. official said this is just the start of more attacks on Houthi targets. The official did not share their name.
Houthis Threaten to Fight Back
Houthi leaders said they will not stop:
- Nasruddin Amer, a Houthi media official, said they “will strike back.”
- Mohamed Abdulsalam, a top spokesman, said Trump was “lying” about the Houthis being a threat.
The Houthis warned they would attack Israeli ships because of Israel’s Gaza blockade. They said they might target:
- The Red Sea
- The Gulf of Aden
- The Bab el-Mandeb Strait
- The Arabian Sea
U.S. Navy on Guard
The attack was carried out only by the U.S. It was the first strike on the Houthis under Trump’s second term. The USS Harry S. Truman carrier group led the mission, including:
- The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman
- Three U.S. Navy destroyers
- One missile cruiser
- The USS Georgia submarine
These ships are in the Red Sea to stop Houthi attacks.
Impact on Trade and Security
Trump said the Houthi attacks have hurt global trade and must end.
“These attacks have cost billions and put lives at risk,” he said from his Trump International Golf Club in Florida.
What’s Next?
There have been no new Houthi attacks since the strikes, but tensions may rise, especially if Iran gets more involved.
Source: AP News
