The Houthis have justified their attacks on international shipping as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel has been engaged in a conflict with Hamas, another Iranian-backed group. Their assaults temporarily ceased after a cease-fire in January but were reignited when Israel halted humanitarian aid to Gaza.
U.S. Leads Military Offensive
The latest U.S. military operation marks the first direct attack on the Houthis under Trump’s second term. While the U.S., Israel, and Britain have previously conducted joint strikes against Houthi-held positions in Yemen, Saturday’s action was solely an American-led initiative.
Trump emphasized that he would not allow the Houthis to continue threatening global trade.
“To all Houthi terrorists, 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!” Trump warned.
He also sent a direct message to Iran: “Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY! Do NOT threaten the American People, their President, or Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable, and we won’t be nice about it!”
Strategic Implications
Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, the Houthis have targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two ships and killing four sailors. The conflict has cost billions in global trade disruptions.
