President Trump announced on Saturday that he ordered airstrikes on Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, in response to attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The president vowed to use "overwhelming lethal force" until the Houthis cease their assaults on shipping in a crucial maritime area. The Houthis reported that nine civilians were killed in the strikes.
In a social media post, Trump stated, "Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets." He emphasized that no terrorist group would impede the freedom of American vessels on the world’s waterways.
The president also issued a stern warning to Iran, urging them to halt their support for the Houthis and promising to hold the country accountable for its actions. This announcement follows a recent letter Trump sent to Iranian leaders, proposing a way to restart talks on Iran’s nuclear program, which he insists must not progress.
The airstrikes resulted in significant explosions in Sanaa, particularly near the airport complex, which houses military facilities. Houthi officials reported at least nine fatalities and additional injuries. They vowed to retaliate against the U.S., asserting that Sanaa would continue to support Gaza despite the challenges posed by the airstrikes.
Earlier this month, the Houthis threatened to resume attacks on Israeli vessels in the region, linking their military actions to Israel’s blockade of Gaza. They had previously targeted over 100 merchant ships, which raised their profile amid ongoing economic troubles and a crackdown on dissent in Yemen.
Local residents described the airstrikes as terrifying, with one stating the explosions felt like an earthquake. The U.S. carried out this operation independently, marking the first strikes against the Houthis since Trump began his second term. The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group, which includes several Navy destroyers and a submarine, was involved in the operation.
Trump, who spent the day at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, stated that these attacks have cost the U.S. and global economies billions and endangered innocent lives. The situation remains tense as the U.S. continues to confront the Houthi threats in the region.