Trump Hits Houthi Targets in Yemen, Sends Stark Warning to Iran

Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he had ordered a series of airstrikes against the Houthi-held area in Yemen, promising to use a “heavy-handed lethal force” if necessary until the Iran-backed terrorists stop their attacks on ships along a crucial maritime corridor.

The Houthis said at least 31 people were killed, and Trump’s national security adviser said Sunday that the strikes had successfully targeted “multiple” Houthi leaders.

Trump wrote on social media, “Our brave Warfighters are currently conducting aerial attacks against terrorists’ bases and leaders, as well as missile defenses, to restore Navigational freedom and protect American air, naval, and shipping assets. No terrorist force can stop American naval and commercial vessels from sailing the Waterways around the World.”

He warned Iran not to support the rebel group and promised to hold it “fully responsible” for its proxy’s actions. The letter comes just two weeks after President Trump sent a message to Iranian leaders, offering a way to restart bilateral talks with Iran on its advancing nuclear program. Trump has stated that he won’t allow the program to be operational.

Michael Waltz, Trump’s national security adviser, said that the response was overwhelming and that it targeted several Houthi leaders. The show “This Week” aired on ABC Sunday.

Houthis have reported explosions on their territory in Sanaa, the capital, and in Saada province, a rebel stronghold near the Saudi Arabian border. More airstrikes were reported early Sunday in these areas. Images on the internet showed black plumes rising from the Sanaa Airport complex, including a large military facility. Houthis reported airstrikes on Hodeida and Bayda provinces early Sunday morning.

Early Sunday morning, the Houthi-run Health Ministry announced that 31 people had died. This included women and children. Anees Al-Asbahi said that 101 more people were injured on Sunday.

Officials in the United States have confirmed that air strikes against Houthi targets are set to continue. The official spoke under the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized by the media to speak.

Nasruddin Amer, the deputy head of Houthi’s media office, stated that the airstrikes would not deter the Houthis and that they would retaliate. “Sanaa is Gaza’s support shield and will never abandon it, no matter what the challenges are,” he said on social media.

On X, another spokesman called Trump’s claim that the Houthis threatened international shipping routes as “false” and “misleading.”

The airstrikes come a few days after the Houthis said they would resume attacks on Israeli vessels sailing off Yemen in response to Israel’s latest blockade on Gaza. They described the warning as affecting the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Arabian Sea.

Since then, there have been no reports of Houthi attacks.

Israel stopped all aid to Gaza earlier this month and warned Hamas of “additional” consequences if the fragile ceasefire was not extended while negotiations continued over a new phase.

During their campaign against military and civilian vessels between the beginning of the war between Israel & Hamas at the end of 2023 and the January ceasefire, the Houthis targeted over 100 merchant ships with missiles and drones. They sank two vessels, killing four sailors.

Yemen’s decade-long stalemated conflict has torn Yemen apart.

According to the Houthi Media Office, U.S. airstrikes hit a residential area in Sanaa’s northern district, Shouab. Residents reported that at least four airstrikes pounded the Eastern Geraf area, frightening women and children.

Abdallah Alffi said, “The explosions had been very strong. It was like an earthquake.”

Eastern Geraf, located in densely populated areas, is the home of Houthi-held facilities. It also houses a political bureau and headquarters for rebels.

Late Saturday, the Houthis announced new strikes in Dhamar Province. The Houthis said that the strikes were on the outskirts and district of Abs, as well as the capital of the province, Dhamar.

Israel, the United States, and Britain have all previously struck against Houthi-held regions in Yemen. Israel’s military declined comment.

According to an official from the United States, Saturday’s operations were conducted by only one country. This was the first attack on Yemen’s Houthis since the second Trump administration.

The Biden administration has carried out such broad-based missile attacks against the Houthis multiple times in response to the frequent Houthis on commercial and military vessels within the region.

The USS Harry S. Truman strike group, consisting of the carrier, three Navy destroyers, and one cruiser, are currently in the Red Sea. They were involved in Saturday’s mission. USS Georgia, a cruise missile submarine, has also been in the area.

Trump announced the strikes while he was spending the day at the Trump International Golf Club, located in West Palm Beach.

Trump stated, “These relentless attacks have cost the U.S. economy and the world economy many BILLIONS while at the same, innocent lives are at risk.”