US launches strikes on Yemen, killing 24; Trump warns Houthis and Iran

At least 24 people were killed as the United States launched major airstrikes on Yemen, targeting the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels. The strikes, ordered by President Donald Trump, come in response to the Houthis’ repeated attacks on Red Sea shipping, which have disrupted global trade since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023.

Trump issued a strong warning to the Houthis and their backers in Tehran. “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!” he wrote on social media. He also cautioned Iran to halt support for the Houthis, saying, “Do NOT threaten the American people, their President… or worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable, and we won’t be nice about it!”

The Houthis condemned the US strikes, calling them a "war crime" and vowing to retaliate. A statement from their political bureau declared that Yemen’s armed forces are "fully prepared to respond to escalation with escalation." The group has attacked US warships 174 times and commercial vessels 145 times since 2023, claiming their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians affected by the war in Gaza.

Iran also reacted strongly to the US strikes. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi criticized Washington, saying, “The US government has no authority or business dictating Iranian foreign policy.” He further urged the US to “end support for Israeli genocide and terrorism” and to “stop the killing of Yemeni people.”

In a separate move, the Trump administration recently reclassified the Houthis as a “foreign terrorist organization,” effectively cutting off any US engagement with the group. This designation is expected to further escalate tensions in the region.

As the situation develops, experts warn that continued US intervention in Yemen could lead to broader conflict, drawing in regional powers such as Iran and Saudi Arabia. The Houthis’ response to the latest airstrikes remains to be seen, but with both sides standing firm, the crisis in the Red Sea is far from over.