US airstrikes in Yemen take out over 30 Houthi targets, though Iran is Trump’s true target

Over the weekend, U.S. airstrikes targeted Houthi drone, missile, and air defense systems in Yemen. While these strikes were successful in degrading Houthi capabilities, the main target remains the resolve of the Iranian regime, which supports the Houthi rebels.

Joint Staff Director for Operations Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich confirmed that dozens of military casualties had been counted, but there were no credible indications of civilian casualties. The strikes hit over 30 targets at multiple locations, including terrorist training sites, weapons manufacturing facilities, and UAV infrastructure.

The Houthi rebels claimed that 53 people, including five children, were killed in the attacks. The strikes began on Saturday and continued into Monday. Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasized that the message behind the strikes was clear: any attack on American troops would have consequences.

President Donald Trump made it clear that Iran would be held responsible for any retaliation from the Houthis. He warned that further attacks would be met with overwhelming lethal force and dire consequences for Iran. The Houthis had announced plans to ramp up attacks on the Red Sea to pressure Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Trump had previously attempted diplomatic engagement with Iran by sending a letter to its supreme leader regarding nuclear talks. However, Iran rejected the offer and stated that it would not engage with the U.S. The U.S. strikes will continue until the Houthi threat is eliminated, although the specifics of what elimination would entail were not clear.

The effectiveness of the U.S. strikes depends on whether they crippled Houthi capabilities, especially if Iran continues to provide support to the rebels. The Houthis attempted to strike back with attacks on the USS Harry S Truman, but were unsuccessful. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the numerous attacks carried out by the Houthis against U.S. Navy and commercial ships.

The U.S. military campaign against the Houthis has been unrelenting, signaling a shift from the limited strikes during the previous administration. Iran has distanced itself from its proxy forces, claiming it does not set their policies. Some voices have questioned the U.S. involvement in the conflict, suggesting that it should be the responsibility of European and Chinese nations.

Former Navy captain Gene Moran emphasized the need to address the root issue with Iran, rather than relying solely on kinetic weapons. Iran’s uranium enrichment levels have exceeded 60%, raising concerns about its nuclear ambitions. Despite Tehran’s denial, experts believe there is no civilian use for such highly enriched uranium.

As the situation in Yemen continues to unfold, the U.S. remains committed to defending its interests and allies in the region. The ongoing airstrikes serve as a clear message to both the Houthi rebels and their Iranian backers that any threats or attacks will be met with swift and decisive action.