Donald Trump, the former president of the United States, recently ordered military strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. This came after the Houthis threatened to target Israeli-connected ships in the Red Sea due to Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The strikes began over the weekend and were reported to have killed at least 23 people, including civilians, in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, and the northern province of Saada.
Trump stated on his social media platform, Truth Social, “Your time is up. If they don’t stop their attacks, there will be consequences.” He underscored that the U.S. military would use “overwhelming lethal force” if needed. Furthermore, he warned Iran against supporting Houthi actions, promising accountability if U.S. interests were threatened.
Despite the threats from the Houthis, they have not attacked any ships yet. A Houthi spokesman criticized the U.S., claiming their narrative about the threat to shipping was exaggerated. They maintain that their actions are focused only on Israeli ships until humanitarian aid reaches Gaza.
In recent months, tensions in the region have heightened. The Houthis have launched over 100 attacks targeting maritime vessels, disrupting global trade. A study found that the frequency of ships transiting the Red Sea has dropped sharply, from 25,000 annually to just 10,000. This situation underscores the impact of the renewed conflict and raises questions about the safety of international shipping routes.
Former U.S. diplomat Nabeel Khoury pointed out that Trump’s military strategy may not be effective. He argued that conflicts, such as the ongoing situation with Hamas, show that military solutions are not always successful. Khoury emphasized that the mountainous terrain in Yemen could make it quite difficult to eradicate the Houthis even with military force.
On social media, reactions to these military strikes have been mixed. Some supporters praise Trump’s hardline stance, while critics argue for more diplomatic approaches to resolving such complex issues. Many are concerned that escalating military action could lead to more civilian casualties and further destabilization in the region.
In conclusion, the recent U.S. strikes in Yemen mark a significant moment in international relations, reflecting ongoing tensions in the Middle East. As the situation develops, it raises important questions about the efficacy of military intervention versus diplomatic negotiations in resolving conflicts.
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Source linkNews, Middle East, United States, US & Canada, Yemen
