Trump Vows Ongoing Strikes on Houthis Amid Leaks and Tensions
President Trump vowed to sustain military strikes on Yemen’s Houthis until they cease threats to maritime shipping. He stated that the attacks would continue until free navigation is assured while a media leak involving senior officials complicates the administration’s position.
U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged to continue military strikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels until their threat to maritime shipping is eliminated. He indicated consequences for both the Houthis and their supporters in Iran if they do not cease attacks on U.S. vessels. “The choice for the Houthis is clear: Stop shooting at U.S. ships, and we will stop shooting at you,” he stated, emphasizing the escalating nature of the conflict.
The U.S. military launched an offensive on March 15 aimed at neutralizing the Houthis, who have been attacking U.S. military ships as well as Israeli targets. Initial strikes reportedly eliminated prominent Houthi leaders, though the rebels claim heavy civilian casualties, citing 53 fatalities from the first day alone. These Houthi attacks coincide with their declarations of support for Palestinians following the Gaza conflict.
Trump described the Houthis as having been “decimated” since March 15 by the U.S. strikes, which he characterized as “relentless.” He maintained that operations will persist until the rebels no longer threaten freedom of navigation.
The escalation of military activities is accompanied by a political scandal concerning the leak of sensitive communications among senior administration officials discussing the Yemen strikes. A report revealed that Trump’s National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth inadvertently shared classified strike details with a journalist over a text chat on the Signal app.
Trump has faced pressure to dismiss Waltz and Hegseth due to this leak but has dismissed calls for action, labeling the issue a “witch hunt.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated the White House’s stance that the matter is resolved from their perspective, suggesting that they wish to move past the controversy.
In summary, President Trump’s administration intensifies military action against Yemen’s Houthis amid ongoing threats to maritime security. The dual pressures of combat operations and a media leak scandal create significant challenges for the administration. Trump’s aggressive military stance underlines his commitment to protecting U.S. interests while navigating the complexities of international relations and domestic political fallout.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
