Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced he authorized "decisive" military action against Houthi rebels in Yemen, escalating tensions with the Iran-backed group that has targeted shipping lanes in the Red Sea.
The U.S. airstrikes on Saturday resulted in at least 23 deaths and over 20 injuries, according to Yemen's Houthi-controlled health ministry.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared the U.S. would use "overwhelming lethal force" against the Houthis until its objectives were met. He accused the group of engaging in "piracy, violence, and terrorism" against American and international vessels, aircraft, and drones.
He further stated that American forces were conducting aerial assaults on Houthi bases, leadership, and missile defense systems to safeguard U.S. shipping and naval assets while restoring navigational freedom.
“No terrorist force will prevent American commercial and naval vessels from sailing freely across the world's waterways,” Trump wrote.
Additionally, he issued a stern warning to Iran, the Houthis' primary backer, demanding an immediate end to its support. He cautioned that any threat against the American people or its leadership would be met with full accountability, emphasizing, “We won’t be nice about it!”
The Houthi-run health ministry reported that the U.S. strikes killed 13 people and injured nine in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. Another 10 were killed and 13 wounded—mostly women and children—in the northern province of Saada. According to Houthi-affiliated Al-Masirah TV, a power station in Dahyan was also hit, causing widespread blackouts.
Houthi health ministry spokesperson Anees Alasbahi condemned the U.S. strikes, calling them an act of aggression that would only strengthen Yemenis' resolve to support Gaza and the resistance.
Trump had approved the strike plan weeks ago, finalizing his order late last week. U.S. officials have described the operation as a sustained military campaign against the Houthis.
Some members of Congress received briefings from the White House on Saturday. A U.S. defense official stated that further strikes would depend on battle damage assessments, though additional actions against the Houthis are expected in the coming weeks.
The broader military campaign took time to organize as U.S. forces gathered intelligence necessary for targeted strikes. A senior military official recently confirmed that intelligence efforts for expanded operations had been completed.
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