WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump ordered a series of airstrikes in the area owned by Hooty in Yemen on Saturday, promising that Iran-backed rebels would use “overwhelming deadly forces” until they halt the attack with shipments along key maritime corridors. Houthis said at least 31 people have been killed, and Trump’s national security adviser said Sunday that the strike targeted “multiple” Houthi leaders as the top.
“Our brave fighters are currently carrying out air attacks on terrorist bases, leaders and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air and naval assets and restore freedom of navigation,” Trump said in a social media post. “The terrorist forces will not stop American commercial and naval vessels from sailing freely through the waterways of the world.”
He also warned Iran to halt support rebel groups and pledged to retain a country “fully accountable” for its deputy actions. Two weeks after the US leader sent a letter to Iranian leaders, he dedicated the path to provide a way for the resumption of bilateral talks between countries on Iran’s advanced nuclear program. Trump said he would not allow it to become operational.
“This was an overwhelming response that actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out,” Trump National Security Adviser Michael Waltz said on ABC’s “this week.” It aired on Sunday.
Houthis reported an explosion on Saturday evening in the capital of Saada, the rebel hub on the Saudi Arabia border. Images online showed black smoke feathers in the area of Sanaa Airport Complex, which includes a vast military facility. Houthis also reported airstrikes early Sunday in the states of Hodeida, Bayda and Marib.
The Houthi-run Ministry of Health said the death toll, including women and children, rose to 31 early Sunday. Ministry spokesman Anees Al-Asbahi said 101 more people were injured on Sunday.
US officials said this was the beginning of airstrikes on Houthi’s targets, which are expected to continue. The official spoke about the state of anonymity.
Nasruddin Amer, deputy director of the Houthi Media Office, said the airstrikes would not stop them and would retaliate against the US.
Another spokesman, Mohamed Abdulsulsalam of X, called Trump’s claim that the Houtis threatened international shipping routes as “false and misleading.”
The airstrikes come days after the Houtis said it would resume attacks sailing from Yemen in response to the latest blockade in Gaza. They explained that the warning would affect the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Bab-el-Mandev Strait and the Arabian Sea.
No Houthi attacks have been reported since then.
Earlier this month, Israel halted all aid to Gaza and warned about Hamas’ “additional consequences” as a vulnerable ceasefire in the war continues to commence phase two.
During a campaign to target military and civilian ships during the second half of 2023 and the start of the war between Israel and Hamas this year, when the ceasefire in Gaza took effect, Houthis targeted more than 100 merchant ships with missiles and drones, sinking two ships and killing four sailors.
The attacks raised the profile of the Houthis as they faced economic and other issues at their home amid a decade-long deadlock war in Yemen that tore the poorest countries of the Arab world.
The Houthi Media Office said the US strike had hit a residential area in Sanaa’s northern Shouab district. Residents said at least four airstrikes shook the area around eastern Geraf there, shaking the scary women and children.
“The explosion was very strong,” Abdallah al-Al-Fai said. “It was like an earthquake.”
In the eastern Geraff, there is the headquarters of the rebel Politburo, located in a densely populated area.
Houthis reported a new strike late Saturday in southwestern Dhamar. They said the strike was attacked on the outskirts of the state’s capital, also known as Damar.
The United States, Israel and the United Kingdom have previously attacked areas owned by Hooty in Yemen. Israeli military declined to comment.
However, US officials said Saturday’s operation was carried out exclusively by the US. It was the first strike against Houtis, based in Yemen under the second Trump administration.
Such a widespread missile strike against Houthis has been carried out multiple times by the Biden administration in response to frequent Houthis attacks on regional commercial and military vessels.
The USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group includes the Carrier, three Navy Destroyers and one cruiser, located in the Red Sea and was part of Saturday’s mission. The USS George Cruise missile submarine is also operated in the area.
Trump announced his strike while spending the day at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
“These ruthless attacks cost the US and the global economy billions and at the same time put innocent lives at risk,” Trump said.
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Baldor was reported from Washington, and Magdy was reported from Cairo. Zeke Miller, AP White House correspondent in Washington, and AP author Tara Copp contributed to the report.
