Houthi rebels vow to retaliate after US strikes kill at least 31 people in Yemen

The Iran backed group, which has taken over parts in Yemen including the capital Sanaa, began attacking ships in the maritime corridors after Israel launched its offensive against Gaza in October 2023, leading to great instability in the Middle East region.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said “Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom.”

Smoke rises from a location reportedly struck by U.S. airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrahman

In a stern warning, the US president added “No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the waterways of the world.”

According to Houthi spokesperson Nasr el-Din Amer, most of the casualties from the airstrikes by America have been of women and children, however, the claim isn’t verified, the NBC News reported.

Amer said, “We would continue our operations until the blockade on Gaza is lifted. We will respond to the recent escalation with further escalation. Our response will not be delayed.”

Trump warned Iran to cease its support towards the Yemen based rebel group and said that he would hold Tehran “fully accountable” for the actions of its proxy Houthi group.