The United States has expanded its military operations in Yemen, launching fresh airstrikes on Monday targeting Houthi-controlled areas, according to the Iran-backed group’s Al Masirah TV. The attacks, which hit the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah and Al Jawf governorate north of Sanaa, mark a continuation of Washington’s efforts to counter Houthi threats to international shipping.
Anees Alsbahi, a spokesperson for the Houthi-run health ministry, reported that at least 53 people were killed, including five children and two women, while 98 others were injured. The US strikes, which began on Saturday, are part of an ongoing military campaign that a US official told Reuters could last for weeks.
The Houthis have repeatedly targeted commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea since November 2023, significantly disrupting global trade. The US has responded by intercepting missiles and drones, though this effort has strained its air defense resources.
Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi warned that his forces would continue to attack US ships in retaliation. “If they continue their aggression, we will continue the escalation,” he stated. The Houthi political bureau condemned the US strikes as a “war crime,” while Russia urged Washington to halt its attacks.
On Monday, the Houthis claimed to have launched a second attack on the US aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, though a US official denied the claim, stating that warplanes had intercepted 11 Houthi drones and tracked a missile that fell off Yemen’s coast without reaching the carrier.
The situation unfolds as part of broader tensions in the Middle East, where Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah and Hamas, have faced heavy setbacks since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Despite Israeli strikes weakening many of Iran’s regional allies, the Houthis and pro-Iran militias in Iraq remain active.
The Houthis initially launched their maritime attacks in response to the Gaza conflict, vowing to target Israeli and US-linked ships. While they temporarily paused their operations during a ceasefire in January, they recently threatened to resume attacks unless Israel lifted its blockade on Gaza aid.
Former President Donald Trump has warned Iran to cease its support for the Houthis, stating, “America will hold you fully accountable, and we won’t be nice about it!” In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards commander, Hossein Salami, dismissed US threats, asserting that the Houthis operate independently but warning that Iran would retaliate if attacked.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the US would maintain its military pressure until Houthi forces ceased their attacks. “The minute the Houthis stop shooting at our ships, we’ll stop shooting at them,” he said, reiterating that protecting freedom of navigation remains a top US priority.
As tensions escalate, the situation in the Red Sea remains a focal point of US-Iran hostilities, with no immediate resolution in sight.
Source: https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-says-tehran-responsible-for-houthi-attacks-after-group-targets-us-ships/