At least 19 people have been killed following large-scale US military strikes in Yemen, which US President Donald Trump ordered in response to attacks on Red Sea shipping by Iran-aligned Houthi rebels.
President Trump warned the Houthis that if they continued their attacks, “hell will rain down” on them.
He also issued a stern warning to Iran, the Houthis’ primary backer, demanding they immediately halt support for the group.
“If Iran threatens the United States, America will hold you fully accountable and we won’t be nice about it,” President Trump declared.
Escalating Conflict in the Middle East
US officials have indicated that these strikes could continue for days or even weeks, marking the largest US military operation in the Middle East since President Trump took office in January.
The strikes come amid rising tensions as the United States increases pressure on Iran with sanctions aimed at pushing Tehran into negotiations over its nuclear program.
Civilian Casualties Reported
Reports indicate that at least 13 civilians were killed and nine others injured in airstrikes targeting Sanaa, Yemen’s capital, according to the Houthi-run health ministry.
In Saada, a strike reportedly killed six people, including four children and one woman, while 11 others were injured, as reported by Al-Masirah TV, a Houthi-affiliated outlet.
The Houthi political bureau has condemned the attacks, calling them a “war crime” and warning they are prepared to respond.
“Our Yemeni armed forces are fully prepared to respond to escalation with escalation,” the group said in a statement.
Ongoing Houthi Attacks
The Houthis, who have controlled much of Yemen for nearly a decade, have carried out over 100 attacks on commercial vessels since November 2023, significantly impacting global trade. Their actions have forced many shipping companies to divert vessels around southern Africa, increasing travel time and costs.
The Houthis have claimed these attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Regional Tensions and Iran’s Role
While Iran’s regional allies such as Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon have suffered significant setbacks, the Houthis have continued their offensive operations.
The Houthis have reportedly sunk two ships, seized another, and killed at least four seafarers, further escalating tensions in the region.
Strikes Launched From Aircraft Carrier
US military officials confirmed that fighter jets from the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, stationed in the Red Sea, were involved in the strikes.
US Central Command, responsible for overseeing military operations in the Middle East, described the strikes as part of a “large-scale operation” across Yemen.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that Houthi attacks on American ships, aircraft, and troops would not be tolerated, adding that “Freedom of Navigation will be restored.“
Iran Refuses Negotiations
The strikes occurred shortly after a letter from President Trump was sent to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, seeking diplomatic talks over Iran’s nuclear program.
However, Mr. Khamenei rejected any negotiations with the United States.
Despite mounting pressure, Iran has accelerated its uranium enrichment program, reaching 60% purity, close to the 90% weapons-grade level, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Western nations have expressed concern, arguing that such enrichment is unnecessary for peaceful energy purposes and is commonly linked to nuclear weapons development.
While Iran insists its nuclear ambitions are peaceful, global powers remain skeptical as tensions in the region continue to rise.
