Houthi Retaliation Threats Follow US Airstrikes In Yemen, Trump Warns Iran to ‘BEWARE’

In the aftermath of US airstrikes in Yemen, which led to a minimum of 31 fatalities, the Houthi rebel group has issued a warning of retaliation.

What Happened: A series of airstrikes were launched by the US in Yemen on Saturday. This resulted in the death of at least 31 individuals and left 101 others injured, as per the Houthi health ministry. The Houthi group has promised to react with “more escalation.”

President Donald Trump announced that he had ordered the airstrikes on regions in Yemen under Houthi control. He pledged to use “overwhelming lethal force” until the rebel group stopped attacks on shipping along a crucial maritime corridor.

As per the report by NBC News, the Houthis, who are backed by Iran and have seized a part of Yemen including its capital, Sanaa, started launching missiles and drones as a response to the war in Gaza. The group reported explosions in Sanaa and Saada, a Houthi stronghold near the Saudi border, with additional airstrikes early Sunday.

Nasr el-Din Amer, the Houthi spokesperson, revealed that the majority of the casualties from the airstrikes were women and children. The Houthis have committed to continuing their operations “until the blockade on Gaza is lifted.”

Trump also issued a warning to Iran to stop supporting the rebel group, holding the country “fully accountable” for the actions of its proxy Houthi group. Iran provides the Houthis with financial support, training, and equipment.

Also Read: Iran Flexes Nuclear Muscle, Threatens US With ‘Tooth-Breaking’ Retaliation

In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote, ‘To Iran: Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY! Do NOT threaten the American People, their President, who has received one of the largest mandates in Presidential History, or Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it!’

Hossein Salami, the commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, declared that Iran would “respond decisively and destructively” to any enemy threats. However, he also distanced Iran from the Houthis, emphasizing that the group makes their strategic decisions independently.

Why It Matters: The escalating tensions and threats of retaliation from the Houthi group highlight the volatile situation in Yemen. The US airstrikes and the subsequent response from the Houthis have intensified the conflict in the region.

This development could potentially impact the geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East, with the involvement of Iran adding another layer of complexity.

The US’s stance against Iran’s support for the Houthis also underscores the strained relations between the two nations.