Trump Celebrates U.S. Drone Strike Against Houthi Militants in Yemen

Donald Trump praised a drone strike on Houthi militants in Yemen, showcasing a video of the strike that resulted in substantial destruction. The U.S. is continually targeting this Iran-backed group to protect shipping routes threatened by their attacks. Despite military efforts, the Houthis remain a formidable disruptor to global maritime traffic, supported by Iranian resources.

Former President Donald Trump recently lauded a drone strike against Iranian-supported Houthi militants in Western Yemen. He shared footage of the strike, highlighting its success on his Truth Social platform and remarking, “These Houthis gathered for instructions on an attack. Oops, there will be no attack by these Houthis! They will never sink our ships again!” This strike demonstrated the U.S. Central Command’s commitment to countering the Houthi threat.

The drone video captured the moment a large explosion decimated a group of Houthis, resulting in the destruction of two vehicles and the likely loss of numerous lives. Though the specific date of the strike was not disclosed, the U.S. has consistently targeted this terrorist group since late 2021, following increased aggression from the Houthis on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

In November 2023, the Houthis escalated their attacks on shipping as retaliation for the conflict in Gaza, disrupting vital trade routes, particularly the Suez Canal. This situation has forced ships to take longer routes, significantly extending transit times and impacting global shipping operations. Despite ongoing military actions, U.S. efforts to mitigate Houthi threats have yet to restore stability in the region.

In December 2023, the Biden administration implemented Operation Prosperity Guardian, which allied U.S., UK, French, and Canadian forces aimed at countering Houthi threats in maritime passages. However, by January 2024, the U.S. and UK intensified their military response, launching direct airstrikes against Houthi targets in hopes of curtailing the group’s influence.

Currently, after more than a year of operations, the Red Sea shipping lanes remain perilous. The volume of maritime traffic through the Suez Canal has plummeted, with many commercial shipping routes significantly affected. The Houthis’ persistent success in disrupting shipping can be attributed to their cost-effective operations, including the use of inexpensive drones capable of targeting vessels without significant military infrastructure.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the Houthi’s reliance on Iranian support for their military capabilities. He stated that American strikes serve as a warning to Iran, indicating that responsibility for Houthi actions would fall back on them if they continued to provide assistance. In contrast, Iranian commander Hossein Salami claimed the Houthis operate independently, warning of severe repercussions if threats against Iran are carried out.

In summary, the events surrounding the U.S. drone strike on Houthi militants underscore the ongoing tensions in the Red Sea region. The persistent threats posed by the Houthis to commercial shipping are facilitated by their low-cost operational capabilities and support from Iran. As efforts to stabilize the region continue, the success of military strategies remains uncertain, and global shipping routes face further jeopardy if the Houthis do not cease their aggressive actions.

Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk