Trump demands Iran halt arms to Houthis amid rising tension
Donald Trump has called on Iran to cease supplying weapons to the Houthi rebels in Yemen, warning of their "completely annihilation." The US President stressed that the Houthis will ultimately be defeated.
What do you need to know?
- Donald Trump has urged an immediate stop to weapon supplies from Iran to the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
- A military operation against the Houthis commenced on 15 March, following a series of attacks on ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
- The Houthis claim their attacks are aimed at ships linked to Israel in support of Palestinian Hamas.
What are the US actions against the Houthis?
US President Donald Trump, in his post on the platform Truth Social, described the Houthi rebels as barbarians and announced their "completely annihilation."
‘‘Watch how it will get progressively worse — It’s not even a fair fight, and never will be,‘’ Trump added. ‘’They will be completely annihilated!‘’ wrote the US President.
Trump emphasized that despite Iran reducing the frequency of supplies, it still delivers substantial quantities of resources to the Houthis. He called for an immediate cessation of these supplies.
What are the consequences of the military operation?
On 15 March, Trump announced the launch of a "decisive and powerful" military operation against the Houthis.
Since autumn 2023, the rebels have conducted over 100 attacks on ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, causing disruptions to this crucial maritime route.
As a result of US airstrikes, at least 53 people, including children, have died in Yemen, and around 100 have been injured. US authorities reported the killing of several high-ranking rebels.
What are the reactions of the Houthis?
The Houthis declared that their attacks are directed at ships linked to Israel, aiming to support Palestinian Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Supported by Iran, the rebels are one of the factions in the ongoing civil war in Yemen since 2014 and control a large part of the country, including the Red Sea coast. The US recognises the Houthis as a terrorist organisation, and US Central Command (CENTCOM) continues operations against them, reporting the downing of combat drones belonging to this group.
