31 killed as Trump orders airstrikes on Yemen's Houthi rebels
What's the story
The US has carried out a series of airstrikes in Yemen killing 31 people. The operation targeted Iran-backed Houthi rebels and was conducted to defend American interests, according to the US Central Command. The military action was ordered by President Donald Trump who said they would use "overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective," referring to Houthi strikes on vessels in the Red Sea.
Presidential statement
Trump's warning to Iran and Houthi rebels
Trump declared the military operation against the Houthi rebels in a post on Truth Social and issued a stern warning to Iran. He accused the Houthis of waging "an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American ships." Trump called on Iran to stop supporting the Houthis immediately, threatening America would hold them fully accountable if they continued their threats.
Rebellion response
Houthis vow retaliation and condemn US strikes
The Houthi rebels vowed revenge against the US airstrikes, saying they "will not pass without response." They warned the US of an "escalation with escalation." Yemen health ministry confirmed the death toll from the strikes, saying 20 people were killed and at least nine others injured. Houthis condemned the attacks as a "US-British aggression" and "criminal brutality" by Trump's administration.
Terrorist designation
US labels Houthis as a 'foreign terrorist organization'
Earlier this month, the US classified the Houthis as a "foreign terrorist organization," in light of their attacks on American warships and commercial vessels. This classification came after the rebels vowed to resume their campaign of blocking shipping in the Red Sea and controlling world shipping traffic until Israel ended its blockade of aid to Palestinians. The Houthis have conducted over 100 attacks on ships off Yemen since November 2023, disrupting global shipping.