The United States has announced its intention to continue military strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels until they cease their attacks on shipping. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized this stance following a recent airstrike that reportedly killed at least 53 individuals, marking one of the largest military actions in the Middle East since President Donald Trump took office. Officials indicated that this campaign could persist for weeks if the Houthis do not change their behavior.
In a televised statement, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi responded defiantly, stating that his forces would target U.S. vessels in the Red Sea as long as the U.S. military operations continued. He described the U.S. attacks as a “war crime,” while Russian officials called on Washington to halt its ongoing strikes. On Sunday, U.S. aircraft successfully intercepted 11 Houthi drones, while a missile tracked by U.S. forces posed no threat.
According to Hegseth, the air campaign will remain unyielding unless the Houthis agree to stop targeting U.S. ships, reinforcing the need for safety in vital shipping lanes vital to U.S. interests. The Houthis have carried out numerous shipping attacks, particularly following Israel’s recent conflict with Hamas, claiming solidarity with Palestinians. They have threatened further attacks on Israeli vessels unless Israel lifts its blockade on Gaza.
Beyond the Houthis, tensions have escalated with Iran, which has been accused of backing the group. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that the Houthis could not act without Iranian support. The conflict has led to tragic civilian casualties, with reports of children and women among those killed in the U.S. airstrikes.
Local residents described the strikes as devastating, leading to injuries and widespread destruction. As the situation evolves, international calls for restraint highlight the urgent need for dialogue and a resolution to the conflict, which continues to disrupt global trade and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.