US Vows Continued Military Action Against Yemen’s Houthis Amid Shipping Threats

The United States has launched airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthis to halt their shipping attacks, with ongoing military operations leading to significant civilian casualties. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has declared the strikes will continue until the Houthis cease hostilities. Iran warns the U.S. against escalating tensions, while international calls for restraint highlight the urgent need for dialogue to address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

The United States remains resolute in its airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthis, who have been targeting maritime shipping. This military response comes after the Houthis indicated their intent to escalate attacks on U.S. vessels in the Red Sea in retaliation. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that airstrikes will continue until the Houthis cease their aggressive actions, and the U.S. holds Iran responsible for the group’s hostility.

Recent airstrikes ordered by the U.S. have resulted in at least 53 fatalities, including civilians. These strikes mark the largest military operation in the region since President Donald Trump’s administration began. The Houthis, already in control of much of Yemen, announced their plan to target U.S. ships as long as the assaults on Yemen persist, labeling the U.S. actions a “war crime.”

The Houthis have claimed multiple attacks against U.S. military assets, including an attempt on the USS Harry S. Truman. However, U.S. forces have successfully intercepted Houthi drones and tracked a missile that posed no threat. Hegseth stated, “The minute the Houthis say we will stop shooting at your ships, we will stop… but until then it will be unrelenting.”

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards asserted that the Houthis operate independently and warned the U.S. against escalating tensions. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged for immediate restraint, citing the potential for a humanitarian crisis in Yemen, which is already under severe duress.

The situation has drawn responses from various international figures, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pointing to Iranian support as a catalyst for Houthi aggression. Meanwhile, Russian officials have called for de-escalation and political discussions. The airstrikes have inflicted humanitarian damage, with numerous casualties reported, including civilians, raising concerns about the ongoing conflict’s impact on the local population.

In summary, the United States reaffirms its military presence in the region, exerting pressure on Yemen’s Houthis amidst increasing tensions. The escalation of airstrikes reflects a commitment to ensuring the safety of maritime navigation while holding Iran accountable for the Houthis’ actions. The ongoing conflict raises significant humanitarian concerns, calling for international dialogue to mitigate the destabilizing effects on Yemen and the broader region.

Original Source: www.indiatoday.in