Fresh US air strikes target Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen; Trump threatens retaliation against Iran

The US launched fresh air strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen’s Hodeida governorate, targeting Bajel and a steel factory in Al-Salif, according to Houthi media. The strikes come amid escalating tensions, with the US responding to continued Houthi attacks on Red Sea vessels, which the rebels claim are linked to Israel’s actions in Gaza.

The US launched air strikes on Houthi-held areas in Yemen’s Hodeida, targeting Bajel and Al-Salif, amid Trump’s warning to Iran over Red Sea attacks.

White House on Trump’s military action against Houthis

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaking on President Donald Trump’s decision to launch military strikes against Houthi militants in Yemen, labelled them as “terrorists” who have long targeted American vessels.

“President Trump ordered a decisive military action against the Houthi terrorists in Yemen,” Leavitt said during a press briefing. “These Houthi terrorists have engaged in violence and terrorism against American ships for years, under the Biden administration, costing billions of dollars and putting innocent lives at risk.”

White House criticises Biden’s approach

Leavitt also took aim at former President Joe Biden, blaming his administration’s policies for emboldening Houthi forces.

“Joe Biden’s pathetic weakness invited these unacceptable attacks,” she stated, reinforcing Trump’s commitment to a tougher stance on Iran-backed militant groups.

Warning to Houthis and Iran

Leavitt issued a stern warning to both the Houthis and their Iranian supporters, emphasising Trump’s firm stance on national security.

“Houthi terrorists and their Iranian backers should not cross President Trump again, and he has made that clear today.”

US President Donald Trump earlier in the day escalated pressure on Iran, warning that any further Houthi attacks in the Red Sea region would be considered an Iranian act of aggression. In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared:

“Any further attack or retaliation by the ‘Houthis’ will be met with great force, and there is no guarantee that that force will stop there.”

“Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon, from this point forward, as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN, and IRAN will be held responsible.”

The statement signals a potential broadening of US military action in response to ongoing disruptions in the region.

US strikes Houthi targets

Over the weekend, Trump ordered fresh strikes on Iran-backed Houthi positions in Yemen following continued maritime attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The Houthi health ministry reported 53 fatalities and 98 wounded from the attacks, which targeted Sana’a and other provinces.

On Saturday, Trump defended the military action, stating: “[The Houthis] choked off shipping in one of the most important Waterways of the World, grinding vast swaths of Global Commerce to a halt.”

The strikes come amid a broader campaign to counter Houthi aggression in the region, which has intensified since late 2023.

Houthi retaliation

Following the US strikes, the Yemeni Armed Forces, aligned with the Houthis, claimed to have launched missile and drone attacks against the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier twice within 24 hours. The statement could not be immediately verified.

The Houthis’ ruling political council vowed continued operations against US forces, asserting that attacks would persist until Israel lifted its blockade on aid to Gaza.

Geopolitical ramifications

The Houthis initiated maritime assaults in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in late 2023, framing their actions as a response to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Israel halted aid shipments to Gaza about a week ago, citing pressure on Hamas to release more hostages.

With tensions rising, Trump’s remarks indicate a possible escalation in US military operations, heightening the risk of a wider conflict involving Iran.