Recent airstrikes conducted by the United States mark a significant escalation in the military operations within the Middle East, as reported by the Houthis’ Al Masirah TV. This is the largest U.S. military initiative in the region since President Donald Trump took office in January.
In direct response to threats against international shipping from the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, the U.S. initiated a new round of airstrikes last Saturday. Targets included the strategic Red Sea port city of Hodeidah and the Al Jawf governorate, located north of the capital, Sanaa.
According to a spokesperson for the Houthi-run health ministry, at least 53 casualties were reported as a result of these attacks.
The Houthis, having seized control of most of Yemen over the past decade, have launched numerous assaults on vessels off their coast since November 2023, significantly disrupting global commerce. As the U.S. aims to intercept missiles and drones, it has been depleting its air defense stockpiles in the process.
Officials indicate that these strikes may continue for weeks, coinciding with increased sanctions on Iran as the U.S. seeks to engage the country in discussions regarding its nuclear aspirations.
Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi addressed the situation in a recent televised speech, stating, “If they continue their aggression, we will continue the escalation.” The Houthis’ political bureau denounced the U.S. attacks as a “war crime,” while Russia has urged for an immediate halt to U.S. operations.
In a statement earlier today, the Houthis’ military spokesman, without providing details, claimed to have launched a second attack on the USS Harry S. Truman, a U.S. aircraft carrier stationed in the Red Sea.
Latest Developments in the Middle East
The dynamics within the Middle East have shifted significantly following Israel’s recent actions against Iranian proxies, including Hezbollah and Hamas, particularly after the onset of hostilities in October 2023. The assassination of key leaders within these groups and the instability of allies like Syria’s Bashar al-Assad have weakened Iran’s influence in the region.
Despite these setbacks, the Houthis have shown remarkable resilience, continuing to stand strong along with pro-Iranian militias in Iraq. Last week, they announced a return to hostilities against Israeli shipping unless Israel lifted its blockade on aid to Gaza, intensifying their involvement in the ongoing conflict.
In light of these developments, President Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that it must immediately withdraw its support for the Houthis. “If Iran threatens the U.S., America will hold you fully accountable, and we won’t be nice about it!” he emphasized.
In response, Hossein Salami, the commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, asserted that the Houthis act independently in their decisions, ultimately vowing that “Iran will respond decisively and destructively if our enemies carry out their threats.”
U.S. forces reported the downing of 11 Houthi drones yesterday, although they posed no direct threat to the USS Truman. Additionally, a missile launched by the Houthis was tracked as it splashed down off the coast of Yemen.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed the importance of restoring freedom of navigation in the region during an interview with Fox News. He stated, “The minute the Houthis say they’ll stop shooting at your ships, we’ll stop targeting your drones. This campaign will cease, but until then, it will be unrelenting.” He further accused Iran of facilitating the Houthis’ actions for too long, warning, “They better back off.”
The Houthis had initially paused their military campaign during a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in January. However, they reiterated on March 12 that their threats to target Israeli vessels would remain until humanitarian aid to Gaza was fully reinstated.
“Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International—Monitoring.”
