US Strikes in Yemen Meant to Open Critical Sea Lanes, Warn Iran

The United States has launched a new wave of airstrikes against Yemen's Houthi rebels, marking the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict. The strikes, carried out on Saturday, targeted key areas in Hodeidah and Al Jawf governorate, as reported by the Houthis' Al Masirah TV. This is part of the largest US military operation in the Middle East since President Donald Trump's return to office, and it follows a series of threats from the Iran-aligned Houthi movement against international shipping.

Casualties and Destruction

The airstrikes have left at least 53 people dead, including five children and two women, according to the Houthi-run health ministry. Additionally, 98 others have been injured in the attacks. Senior Houthi officials are reported to be among the dead and wounded. The strikes, which may continue for weeks, are aimed at crippling the Houthis' capabilities while protecting international shipping routes in the Red Sea, a crucial artery for global trade.

In retaliation for the US airstrikes, the Houthis claimed to have launched multiple attacks on an American aircraft carrier group in the Red Sea. The group reportedly fired 18 missiles and a drone at the USS Harry Truman and its accompanying warships. A second round of attacks followed within hours. Although a US official confirmed that some drones and missiles were fired, none managed to strike the carrier or its accompanying vessels. The US military intercepted most of the incoming threats.

Houthi spokespersons argued that the attacks were a direct response to the "continued American aggression" and vowed further escalation if strikes on Yemen continued. These claims have heightened concerns about the potential for wider regional instability, as the Houthis threaten to escalate their actions against both US and Israeli targets.

The escalation in Yemen comes amid increasing US sanctions on Iran, aimed at pressuring the country over its nuclear program and its support for the Houthis. Washington has vowed to continue its airstrike campaign until the Houthis cease their attacks on international shipping lanes. President Trump, in a social media post, warned of "overwhelming lethal force" if the attacks persist.

In response to the violence, Iran's Foreign Minister condemned the US strikes, asserting that the US had no right to interfere in Tehran’s foreign policy. Meanwhile, the United Nations has called for both parties to cease all military actions, but the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen.

The attacks are part of a broader pattern of Houthi aggression, including hijacking Israeli-linked ships such as the Galaxy Leader. These actions, combined with the Houthis' rhetoric of "death to Israel" and their ties to Iran, continue to strain international relations and raise alarms over the safety of global trade routes.