U.S. Airstrikes on Iran-Backed Houthis: A Favor to Global Shipping

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that U.S. airstrikes on Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen are essential for protecting global shipping and U.S. military interests. President Trump announced the strikes, promising overwhelming force until Houthi attacks cease. Rubio highlighted the group’s history of attacks on naval vessels and asserted that the campaign would continue until they no longer pose a threat.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed that recent U.S. airstrikes targeting Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are crucial for safeguarding global shipping and protecting U.S. military interests. He stated, “We’re doing the entire world a favor by getting rid of these guys and their ability to strike global shipping. That’s the mission here, and it will continue until that’s carried out.”

The strikes were announced by President Trump, who promised to utilize “overwhelming lethal force” until the Houthis halt their attacks on shipping. U.S. Central Command confirmed the operations via social media, indicating a preparation for an extended campaign against the Houthis that could last weeks depending on their responses.

Previously, President Trump had re-designated the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization after they had been removed from that designation under the Biden administration, which sought to allow humanitarian aid to Yemen. Nonetheless, the Biden administration later classified the group as a “Specially Designated Global Terror Group” in 2024.

The airstrikes follow ongoing Houthi disruptions of crucial shipping routes in the Red Sea, as the group threatened to target Israeli vessels in retaliation for perceived blockades. Rubio emphasized that the recent strikes are not merely messages, stating, “This is an effort to deny them the ability to continue to constrict and control shipping.”

Rubio outlined the severity of the situation, noting that in the last 18 months, the Houthis have attacked 174 U.S. naval vessels and 145 commercial ships. He likened the Houthis to a band of pirates using advanced anti-ship weaponry, which he described as “not sustainable” given the importance of these shipping lanes.

When asked about the duration of the campaign, Rubio clarified that it would persist until the Houthis can no longer threaten shipping. He remarked that as of the latest airstrikes, several key figures among the Houthi leadership have been eliminated, and important facilities have been destroyed. “We’re not going to have people sitting around with the missiles attacking the U.S. Navy,” Rubio affirmed, underscoring the resolution of the current administration to eliminate these threats.

In summary, Secretary of State Marco Rubio supports the U.S. airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, asserting that they protect global shipping and U.S. military interests. He emphasizes the ongoing threat posed by the Houthis and the necessity of these strikes to deny their operational capabilities. As the campaign unfolds, the U.S. administration remains committed to ensuring the safety of crucial shipping routes in the region, striving for long-term stability.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com