US Strikes Kill Huthi Leaders in Yemen, Demands Iran Halt Backing
The White House announced on Sunday that US strikes had killed multiple Huthi leaders in Yemen, while also putting Iran "on notice" to stop supporting the rebel group and its attacks on Red Sea shipping.
US Strikes Target Huthi Leaders
The airstrikes on Saturday targeted multiple Huthi leaders and resulted in their elimination, according to National Security Advisor Michael Waltz. In an interview with ABC News, Waltz stated, "We just hit them with overwhelming force and put Iran on notice that enough is enough."
Iran on Notice
Waltz also reiterated a US warning that "all options are on the table" to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. The US has been concerned about Iran’s nuclear program, with Waltz stating, "Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. All options are on the table to ensure it does not have one." He added, "They can either hand it over and give it up in a way that is verifiable, or they can face a whole series of other consequences, but either way, we cannot have a world with the ayatollahs with their finger on the nuclear button."
Huthi Group’s Backing and Attacks
The Huthi group, backed by Iran, has controlled much of Yemen for over a decade and has been responsible for scores of drone and missile attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since the outbreak of the war. The war was sparked by the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. US warships have been attacked 174 times and commercial vessels 145 times since 2023, according to the Pentagon, putting a major strain on a sea route that normally carries about 12 percent of world shipping traffic.
President’s Warning
President Donald Trump announced the latest attacks on Saturday through a lengthy post on his Truth Social account, warning Huthi leaders that "YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON’T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!"
Background on the Conflict
The conflict in Yemen began in 2015, with the Huthi group, backed by Iran, taking control of much of the country. The group has been responsible for numerous attacks on Israeli and US targets, including the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The US has been involved in the conflict, providing military support to the internationally recognized government of Yemen and conducting airstrikes against Huthi targets.
Conclusion
The US strikes on Saturday marked a significant escalation in the conflict, with the US putting Iran "on notice" to stop supporting the Huthi group and its attacks on Red Sea shipping. The US has made it clear that it will take all necessary measures to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, leaving Iran with a choice: to negotiate a deal or face the consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Huthi group?
The Huthi group is a rebel group in Yemen backed by Iran, which has controlled much of the country for over a decade. - What is the conflict about?
The conflict in Yemen began in 2015, with the Huthi group, backed by Iran, taking control of much of the country, and has resulted in numerous attacks on Israeli and US targets. - What is the US position on Iran’s nuclear program?
The US is opposed to Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon and has warned that "all options are on the table" to prevent it, including military action. - What is the significance of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden?
The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden are important shipping lanes, and the attacks on ships in these waters have put a significant strain on global trade, with the US and other countries calling for an end to the attacks.