President Donald Trump on Saturday ordered airstrikes in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who have attacked merchant ships and U.S. forces in the region.
“[The Houthi] have waged an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American, and other, ships, aircraft, and drones,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.”
Trump noted that U.S.-flagged commercial ships have been unable to safely sail through the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, or the Gulf of Aden for more than a year.
He criticized former President Joe Biden‘s response after Houthi forces attacked an American warship in the Red Sea four months ago. Houthis have also fired missiles at U.S. aircraft, troops, and allies.
“Joe Biden’s response was pathetically weak, so the unrestrained Houthis just kept going,” he said.
In his post, Trump issued a dire warning to Iran that it must stop supporting Houthi terrorists.
“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. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it!” Trump said.
RUSSIA AND CHINA RALLY BEHIND IRAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAM
The president’s announcement comes after the Houthis said earlier this week they would attack Israeli vessels sailing near Yemen in response to Israel’s blockade on Gaza.
“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 said.
