Dubai, March 19, 2025 — US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, threatening complete annihilation as American airstrikes targeted key militant-held locations in the capital, Sanaa, and the stronghold of Saada. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with the US intensifying its efforts against the Houthis while pressuring their main backer, Iran.
Key Developments:
- US Airstrikes Hit Key Houthi Locations: Strikes on Wednesday night targeted the Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, and Saada in northwestern Yemen. Footage aired by Houthi media showed fires and damage in these areas.
- Trump’s Bold Threat: President Trump took to Truth Social, claiming that the Houthis had suffered “tremendous damage” and warned that the situation would worsen. He vowed that the Houthis would be “completely annihilated” as the US military ramped up operations.
- Escalating Tensions with Iran: Trump again called on Iran to halt its support of the Houthis, claiming that Tehran had scaled back military aid, though no evidence was provided. Iran has consistently denied arming the Houthis despite physical evidence to the contrary.
- Houthi Retaliation: Undeterred by the US strikes, the Houthis have vowed to escalate their attacks, including targeting Israel. They also claimed responsibility for more than 100 attacks on global shipping since late 2023, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Humanitarian and Military Impact:
- Civilian Casualties: The first wave of US airstrikes over the weekend killed at least 53 people, including children, and wounded many others. Strikes also caused damage to civilian infrastructure.
- Houthi Food Aid Controversy: The Houthi-controlled SABA news agency acknowledged taking food aid from a UN warehouse without authorization, affecting humanitarian relief efforts in the region.
- UN Response: The UN has faced security concerns in Saada, suspending operations after several workers were detained and one staff member died while in Houthi custody.
CENTCOM forces continue 24/7 operations against the Iran-backed Houthis…#HouthisAreTerrorists pic.twitter.com/RkWsmDgEFR
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 19, 2025
Global Impact:
The ongoing conflict continues to disrupt global commerce, particularly shipping, as the Houthis persist with their attacks on commercial vessels. The US military has been engaged in costly operations to intercept missiles launched by the rebels, further escalating the financial and military toll of the conflict.
As tensions rise, the international community closely monitors the situation, with no clear end in sight to the crisis.
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- Source: ARAB NEWS
