President Trump Orders Airstrikes on Houthi-Held Areas in Yemen, Promises “Overwhelming Lethal Force”

President Donald Trump ordered a series of airstrikes on Houthi-held areas in Yemen, vowing to use “overwhelming lethal force” until the Iranian-backed rebels cease their attacks on shipping along a vital maritime corridor. The airstrikes resulted in at least 18 civilian casualties, according to the Houthis.

In a social media post, Trump stated that the aerial attacks were aimed at protecting American shipping, air, and naval assets, as well as restoring navigational freedom. He also issued a warning to Iran to stop supporting the rebel group, holding the country accountable for its proxy’s actions.

The Houthis reported explosions in their territory, including in the capital of Sanaa and the province of Saada, with additional airstrikes in other areas. The U.S. official confirmed that these airstrikes were just the beginning of a series of attacks on Houthi targets.

Despite the airstrikes, Houthi officials vowed to retaliate against the U.S. and dismissed Trump’s claims about the threat to international shipping routes. The attacks come in response to the Houthis’ previous announcement of resuming attacks on Israeli vessels in the region.

The U.S. strikes targeted a residential neighborhood in Sanaa, causing panic among residents. The operation was conducted solely by the U.S., with the involvement of the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group and the USS Georgia cruise missile submarine.

Trump announced the airstrikes while at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, emphasizing the economic impact of the attacks and the risk to innocent lives. The situation remains tense as the conflict between the U.S. and the Houthi rebels escalates in Yemen.