President Donald Trump has launched a large-scale military campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen, striking key military targets in response to what he called an “unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism” against American and allied ships.
The airstrikes, which began overnight on March 15, targeted the Houthis’ bases, leadership, and missile defenses.
Explosions rocked Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and other key locations, killing at least 31 people — which Houthi health officials say are mostly women and children, per The Independent.
Over 100 others have been reported injured.
“We Will Use Overwhelming Lethal Force”
Trump’s statement on the strikes was forceful, emphasizing that the Houthis’ attacks on international shipping could no longer be tolerated.
“Today, I have ordered the United States Military to launch decisive and powerful Military action against the Houthi terrorists in Yemen,” the POTUS wrote on Truth Social. “They have waged an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American, and other, ships, aircraft, and drones.”
Trump blamed the previous administration for failing to act aggressively enough, saying it had emboldened the Iran-backed militants.
“Joe Biden’s response was pathetically weak, so the unrestrained Houthis just kept going,” Trump said. “It has been over a year since a U.S.-flagged commercial ship safely sailed through the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, or the Gulf of Aden.
“The last American warship to go through the Red Sea, four months ago, was attacked by the Houthis over a dozen times.”
Trump also highlighted the economic toll of the Houthi attacks, citing billions in losses due to disrupted global trade.
“Funded by Iran, the Houthi thugs have fired missiles at U.S. aircraft and targeted our troops and allies. 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,” Trump continued.
In his address, Trump made it clear that his administration would pursue an aggressive military response to Houthi aggression.
“The Houthi attack on American vessels will not be tolerated. We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective,” he added.
Trump Issues Warning To Houthi Rebels
In his post, shared on Truth Social, President Trump made a defiant threat to Houthi rebels if attacks continue.
“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 wrote.
“No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.”
The POTUS added: “To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON’T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!”
Iran Warned: “Support for the Houthis Must End IMMEDIATELY”
Trump also directed a sharp warning to Iran, which provides weapons and financial support to the Houthis.
“To Iran: Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY! Do NOT threaten the American People, their President, who has received one of the largest mandates in Presidential History, or Worldwide shipping lanes,” Trump warned. “If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it!”
Iranian officials pushed back against Trump’s accusations. The commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Hossein Salami, dismissed claims that Tehran controls the Houthis’ decision-making.
“We warn our enemies that Iran will respond decisively and destructively if they take their threats into action,” Salami told state media.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, accused the U.S. of escalating tensions in the region.
“Stop killing of Yemeni people,” Araghchi posted on X (formerly Twitter). He also claimed that Washington had “no authority, or business, dictating Iranian foreign policy.”
Houthis Vow Retaliation Amid Rising Tensions
The Houthis vowed to strike back, calling the U.S. airstrikes a “war crime” and promising “escalation with escalation.”
The American military’s Central Command described the operation as the beginning of a major campaign aimed at degrading the Houthis’ ability to launch further attacks. A senior U.S. defense official, speaking to Reuters, suggested the strikes could continue for weeks.
The Houthis have conducted scores of missile and drone strikes on commercial and military ships since Israel’s war in Gaza began, claiming to act in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Their attacks have forced ships to reroute, disrupted global commerce, and drawn US and allied forces into costly missile-defense operations.
Trump has authorized an expanded military response, following a previous, less effective campaign of airstrikes.
US officials say the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group is leading the new offensive.
