US Strikes in Yemen Escalate Red Sea Tensions, Houthis Vow Retaliation

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Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-03-17 08:42:06 |

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Tensions in the Red Sea have escalated following a series of US airstrikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The strikes were launched in response to continued Houthi attacks on military and commercial vessels in the region. The US action, one of the most significant in recent months, has intensified hostilities, with both sides vowing further escalation. The Houthis, a rebel group from northern Yemen, have been targeting international shipping routes in what they claim is support for Palestinians in Gaza. Their attacks had briefly halted during a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in January but resumed after Israel restricted humanitarian aid to Gaza. The US retaliated on Saturday with strikes on multiple locations, including Sanaa and Saada province, killing at least 53 people and injuring nearly 100. The Houthis condemned the attacks and pledged to escalate their response.

US President Donald Trump stated that military action would continue until the Houthis ceased their assaults, holding Iran responsible for aiding the rebels. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the operation aimed to prevent further disruptions in international shipping. In retaliation, the Houthis launched missiles and drones at the USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier strike group. However, US defense officials reported that all projectiles were intercepted before reaching their targets.

The United Nations has expressed concerns over the humanitarian impact, urging all parties to show restraint. Yemen remains one of the poorest nations in the Arab world, and the conflict risks further destabilization. Iran has denied controlling Houthi operations and accused the US of exacerbating violence in Yemen and Gaza.

The escalation has also affected global markets, with oil prices rising due to concerns over shipping disruptions in the Red Sea. Brent crude and US West Texas Intermediate crude saw price increases as traders reacted to the growing instability in a crucial maritime trade route. With neither side showing signs of backing down, tensions in the region are likely to persist.

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