President Donald Trump ordered a series of airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, targeting strongholds of the Iran-backed rebels. The Houthis reported at least 53 people were killed in the attacks.
Trump vowed to use “overwhelming lethal force” until the rebels halt their attacks on global shipping. In a social media post, he said U.S. forces were “carrying out aerial attacks on terrorist bases to protect American assets and restore navigational freedom.”
He also warned Iran to stop supporting the Houthis, threatening to hold the country “fully accountable” for the actions of its proxies.
The airstrikes followed weeks of escalating tensions. The Houthis reported explosions in Sanaa and Saada, their main stronghold, while additional strikes hit Hodeida, Bayda, and Marib early Sunday.