U.S. President Donald Trump has explicitly linked Yemen’s Houthi rebels to Iran, warning Tehran it would “suffer the consequences” for further attacks by the group. This statement follows U.S. airstrikes that killed at least 53 people in Yemen, with officials confirming more strikes are planned.
Houthi Response
Houthi supporters rallied in several Yemeni cities Monday, vowing revenge against America and Israel. Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a senior leader, addressed supporters in Sanaa, stating: “The Yemeni position is an irreversible position, so do whatever you want, for we are men who fear no one but God.”
Trump’s New Approach
Trump has delegated authority to U.S. Central Command to launch offensive strikes against the Houthis without requiring White House approval. The weekend strikes targeted headquarters positions and drone sites where the Pentagon identified “key leaders” of the Houthis’ drone program.
Iran’s Response
Iran’s U.N. Ambassador delivered a rebuke to Trump’s rhetoric, threatening retaliation if words turn to actions. Trump’s post stated: “Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN, and IRAN will be held responsible, and those consequences will be dire!”
Humanitarian Impact
In Saada province, Houthi rebels raided a World Food Program warehouse. The U.N. agency acknowledged that the seized commodities “were intended for the most vulnerable food-insecure families” in a country long facing famine conditions since the war began in 2014.