Donald Trump Orders Strikes on Yemen's Houthis, Killing 31 Civilians Amid Red Sea Conflict.
U.S. Launches Airstrikes Against Houthis Over Red Sea Attacks.
U.S. President Donald Trump has launched military strikes against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, following their attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea. The operation, conducted solely by the U.S., marks the first direct military action against the Houthis under Trump's second administration. Reports from Yemen indicate that the airstrikes hit multiple locations, including the capital, Sanaa. Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, warned Iran to "end its support immediately" or face consequences.
Pic: US Central Command/Handout via Reuters
Civilian Casualties and Humanitarian Concerns
According to the Houthi-run health ministry, at least 31 civilians, including women and children, were killed, with 101 others injured. Images circulating online show black smoke rising from the vicinity of Sanaa’s airport complex, which includes a large military facility. Residents described powerful explosions that shook neighborhoods, with one witness, Abdallah al Alffi, likening the impact to "an earthquake." The Houthi media office claims the strikes hit residential areas, increasing fears of further civilian casualties in an already war-torn nation.
Trump’s Warning to Iran and Future U.S. Military Action
President Trump justified the airstrikes as a necessary response to Houthi aggression against Red Sea shipping lanes, warning, "Your time is up, and your attacks must stop, starting today. If they don't, hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before." He further stated that Iran would be held "fully accountable" for the Houthis' actions, emphasizing, "And we won’t be nice about it!" The U.S. has taken a hardline stance against Iranian-backed forces, signaling a potential escalation in tensions across the Middle East.
Geopolitical Impact and Connection to Israel-Gaza War
The Houthi rebels have conducted over 100 attacks on Red Sea shipping since November 2023, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid Israel's ongoing war with Hamas. Days before the U.S. strikes, the Houthis threatened to resume attacks on Israeli-linked vessels, despite no confirmed incidents since their statement. Israel recently blocked aid to Gaza, intensifying regional hostilities. The U.S. previously launched similar military operations against the Houthis under Joe Biden’s administration, responding to attacks on both commercial and military vessels in the region.
Rising Global Tensions and Economic Fallout
Trump defended the military action by highlighting its economic impact, stating, "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." The conflict threatens major global trade routes, with potential disruptions to supply chains and increased costs for shipping companies. The Red Sea, a vital passage for international commerce, remains a flashpoint for escalating hostilities between Iran-backed militias and Western forces.
Final Thoughts: What Happens Next?
As the situation in Yemen escalates, the risk of wider conflict in the Middle East grows. The U.S. has signaled that further military action remains on the table if the Houthis continue their attacks. Iran’s response to Trump's warning will be crucial in determining the next phase of this crisis. Meanwhile, humanitarian groups express concerns over civilian casualties and the worsening conditions in Yemen, already facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. With tensions at an all-time high, global leaders will need to navigate this volatile situation carefully to prevent further escalation.
