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The Houthis

Writer: Justine HemmestadJustine Hemmestad



America is involved in Israel at War through more than weapons support; America is also with Israel in active military strategy in the Middle East.

Digging into reasons why, something initially pops out…

Though Trump is of course an ardent supporter of Israel, assuredly genuinely, there is also opportunity for “pay back,” as Trump is known to exercise. 

During the 2024 Iowa caucuses in which Trump won, Houthi forces fired a missile at an American ship in the Red Sea. The missile was shot down, but a diversion from the caucuses had occurred.

On March 4, two months into his second term and in what may appear to be an extension of the Houthi attack during the Iowa caucuses, Trump reinstated the “foreign terrorist organization” designation for the Houthis - Yemen’s Iran-backed Zaydi Shia Islamist militant group.

Houthi attacks on over 100 ships since November of 2023 have disrupted global commerce, as the American military must undergo an expensive campaign to intercept missiles and drones.

As explained by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the designation of terrorist carries with it sanctions and penalties for anyone providing "material support" for the group.

By declaring the Houthis a terrorist group, Trump also fulfilled one of his initial orders shortly after taking office.  

Then on March 15, President Trump acted on that designation by ordering attacks on the Houthis in Yemen, with the intent of sending a strong message to Iran as well as opening international shipping lanes for Israeli and Western ships in the Red Sea.

But the Houthis say they will resume attacks on Israeli ships sailing off of Yemen in response to Israel’s blockade on Gaza.

Utilized in the March 15 attack was the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group, including the carrier, three Navy destroyers, and one cruiser, which were in the Red Sea as part of the mission. The USS Georgia cruise missile submarine had been operating in the region and was utilized as well.

Trump announced the attacks as he spent the day at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.

“To all Houthi terrorists,” he said, “your time is up and your attacks must stop, starting today. If they don’t, hell will rain down upon you like nothing you’ve seen before!”

He additionally told Iran to cease from supporting the Houthis because, “America will hold you fully accountable…”

He announced the American attacks to be a “decisive and powerful military action.”

Dozens of Houthi targets in Sana’a were struck, just as Trump was making the announcement: “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. No terrorist force will stop American commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing the Waterways of the World.”

The military campaign could last for weeks, U.S. officials say, as the United States pledged to keep attacking Yemen's Houthis until they end attacks on shipping. 

The Houthis, though, have signaled it could escalate in response to deadly U.S. strikes.

Yet, Iowa Public Radio reports that the Houthis are already facing economic problems and have launched a crackdown on dissent and aid workers at home as Yemen’s ten year stalemated war tears apart the poorest Middle East nation.

So whether they have the financial capabilities to follow through on such a threat is in doubt.

Israel has said that if the Houthis attack Israel - Israel will join the American attack. 

America, Israel, and Britain have hit Houthi-led areas in Yemen before.

However, Saturday’s strike on the Houthis was instigated by America alone.

"These relentless assaults have cost the U.S. and World Economy many BILLIONS of Dollars while, at the same time, putting innocent lives at risk," Trump explained.

Reuters reports that Iran intends to respond to President Trump only after the “proper scrutiny,” as they accuse Washington of not matching words with actions.


 
 

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