President Donald Trump ordered a series of airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen on Saturday, pledging to use “overwhelming lethal force” until the Iranian-backed rebel group ceases its attacks on commercial and military vessels in a vital maritime corridor. The Houthis reported at least 18 civilian casualties.
“Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom,” Trump stated on social media. He also warned Iran to halt its support for the Houthis, vowing to hold Tehran “fully accountable” for its proxy’s actions.
The airstrikes targeted multiple Houthi strongholds, including the capital Sanaa and the northern province of Saada, as well as Hodeida, Bayda, and Marib. The Houthi-run health ministry reported 18 deaths and 24 injuries, while residents in Sanaa described powerful explosions in the city.
The attacks come days after the Houthis threatened to resume strikes on Israeli vessels in response to Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The rebel group, which has previously targeted over 100 merchant ships, dismissed Trump’s claims as “false and misleading,” vowing retaliation.
A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that these strikes mark the beginning of a sustained campaign against Houthi targets. Saturday’s operation was conducted solely by the U.S., making it the first under Trump’s second administration. The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group played a key role in the mission.
Trump, announcing the strikes while at his golf club in Florida, emphasized the economic toll of Houthi attacks, 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.”
