ISTANBUL
US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he has ordered a “decisive and powerful” military strike against Houthi forces in Yemen, vowing to protect American shipping and restore navigational freedom in the region.
“YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON’T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The strikes target Houthi bases, leaders, and missile defenses in response to repeated attacks on American and allied vessels, the US president said.
He accused the Iran-backed Houthis of waging a campaign of “piracy, violence, and terrorism” that, he said, has cost the global economy billions and endangered innocent lives.
“No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World,” Trump said, vowing to use "overwhelming lethal force" until achieving their objectives.
He also issued a stern warning to Iran, demanding an immediate end to its support for the Houthis. “Do NOT threaten the American People, their President ... or Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable,” he urged.
In solidarity with Gaza, Houthis had attacked Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea with missiles and drones since late 2023, disrupting global trade.
The group halted its attacks when the Gaza ceasefire was declared in January.
However, it threatened to resume the attacks when Israel blocked all aid into Gaza after the end of the first phase of the ceasefire in early March.