Trump Orders Airstrikes on Yemen, Warns Iran Over Houthi Attacks

Trump Orders Airstrikes on Yemen, Warns Iran Over Houthi Attacks \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, on Saturday, targeting Houthi rebel bases, leaders, and missile defenses. The U.S. operation follows months of Houthi attacks on international shipping routes, which have disrupted global trade and sunk two vessels. The Houthis reported at least nine civilians killed, vowing retaliation. Trump warned Iran to stop backing the Houthis, promising to hold Tehran fully accountable. The strikes mark the first U.S. military action against the Houthis under Trump’s second term, escalating tensions in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Trump’s Airstrikes in Yemen – Quick Looks

• Trump ordered airstrikes on Houthi targets in Sanaa, following attacks on U.S. and international ships.
• The U.S. targeted rebel bases, missile defenses, and leadership compounds, according to the administration.
• The Houthis reported at least nine civilians killed, while vowing to retaliate against the U.S.
• Trump warned Iran, stating he would hold Tehran fully accountable for backing the Houthis.
• The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group and USS Georgia submarine participated in the strikes.
• Houthi leaders linked the attack to their support for Gaza, promising continued action against Israeli-linked vessels.
• This marks the first U.S. military operation against the Houthis under Trump’s second administration.
• Trump announced the strikes while at his golf club in Florida, stating the U.S. would use “overwhelming lethal force” if necessary.
• The Biden administration previously carried out multiple strikes on Houthi targets, responding to ongoing Houthi attacks on military and commercial vessels.

Deep Look

President Donald Trump ordered a series of U.S. airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, on Saturday, marking a dramatic escalation in the conflict with Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The operation, which targeted military sites, missile defenses, and leadership compounds, was launched in response to months of Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The Houthis reported at least nine civilians killed and several others injured, while vowing swift retaliation. In a social media post, Trump justified the strikes as necessary to protect U.S. and allied commercial and military vessels, warning that he would use “overwhelming lethal force” until the Houthis ceased their attacks.

“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, and to restore Navigational Freedom,” Trump stated.

As the first U.S. military action against the Houthis under Trump’s second administration, the strikes signal a shift toward more aggressive engagement in the region. The president also sent a strong warning to Iran, declaring that Tehran would be held fully accountable for its support of the Houthis.

The Houthis’ Attacks and the U.S. Response

Since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in October 2023, the Houthis—a Shiite militia backed by Iran—have intensified attacks on commercial and military vessels near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes.

• The group targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two ships and killing four sailors.
• The Houthis claim their attacks are in solidarity with Gaza, targeting vessels linked to Israel.
• However, many of the attacked ships had no connection to Israel, leading to accusations that the Houthis are using the conflict as a pretext to expand their influence.

Houthi Casualties and Their Pledge to Retaliate

Hours after the airstrikes, Houthi officials confirmed a series of explosions across Sanaa, with plumes of black smoke rising from key military installations.

“The explosions were very strong. It was like an earthquake,” said a resident in the city’s Shouab district, where several airstrikes were reported.

The Houthi-run health ministry reported nine civilian deaths, claiming that the strikes hit a residential neighborhood. While the U.S. has not confirmed these casualties, past airstrikes have sometimes resulted in collateral damage.

The Houthis vowed to retaliate, with Nasruddin Amer, a senior Houthi official, declaring that the U.S. attack would not weaken their forces.

“Sanaa will remain Gaza’s shield and support and will not abandon it, no matter the challenges,” Amer said.

Trump’s Warning to Iran: Will Tehran Escalate?

Trump’s direct warning to Iran suggests that the conflict could expand beyond Yemen.

• Trump’s administration has long accused Tehran of funding and supplying the Houthis, including missile technology used in attacks on U.S. ships.
• Two weeks ago, Trump sent a letter to Iranian leaders, offering a path to restart nuclear negotiations—but also warning that Iran’s support for the Houthis must end.
• The new airstrikes put additional pressure on Iran, as Trump declared he would hold Tehran fully accountable for the Houthis’ actions.

Iran, however, has denied direct involvement in Houthi military operations, though intelligence reports indicate that Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces provide weapons, training, and funding to the group.

The big question now is how Iran will respond. Will Tehran:

• Scale back its support to avoid direct U.S. confrontation?
• Retaliate through its proxy forces, including Hezbollah and Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria?
• Continue escalating tensions in the region, potentially leading to further U.S. military action?

A Show of U.S. Military Strength in the Red Sea

The U.S. strikes were carried out exclusively by American forces, marking a departure from previous coalition efforts involving the UK and other allies.

• The USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier strike group, which includes three Navy destroyers and a guided-missile cruiser, played a key role in the operation.
• The USS Georgia, a nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine, was also deployed in the region.
• Missiles and precision-guided bombs were used to target Houthi infrastructure, minimizing risks to civilian areas.

How This Compares to Biden’s Approach

During Joe Biden’s administration, the U.S. conducted multiple strikes on Houthi positions, responding to attacks on U.S. and international vessels.

• Biden’s strategy was more defensive, focusing on deterring further Houthi aggression.
• Trump’s approach appears more offensive, signaling a readiness to sustain military pressure until the Houthis stop their attacks completely.

If the Houthis retaliate with another wave of missile and drone strikes, it could prompt further U.S. military action—potentially expanding the conflict beyond Yemen.

What Happens Next? The Risk of a Wider Conflict

The U.S. strikes mark a major escalation in an already volatile region, raising concerns about the potential for a broader conflict.

1. Houthi Retaliation – If the Houthis respond with fresh attacks on U.S. ships, Trump may order additional strikes, intensifying the conflict.
2. Iran’s Reaction – If Iran directly responds, either through proxy groups or its own military, the situation could escalate into a U.S.-Iran showdown.
3. Impact on Global Shipping – The Red Sea is one of the world’s busiest trade routes. Prolonged conflict could further disrupt global trade, causing billions in economic losses.

Trump, however, remains firm, stating that the U.S. will not allow any force to disrupt international shipping lanes.

“These relentless assaults have cost the U.S. and World Economy many BILLIONS of dollars while, at the same time, putting innocent lives at risk,” Trump said from his Florida golf club.

The coming days will determine whether this airstrike succeeds in deterring the Houthis—or whether it marks the beginning of a larger and more dangerous confrontation in the Middle East.

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