Trump Celebrates Drone Strike Against Houthi Militants Amid…

Donald Trump celebrated a successful drone strike against Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, sharing a video on Truth Social. The Houthis intensified attacks on Western shipping following conflicts in Gaza, disrupting Suez Canal traffic and prompting U.S. military responses. Despite efforts like Operation Prosperity Guardian, Houthi capabilities remain resilient, reiterating the ongoing challenges in securing vital maritime routes from their threats.

Former President Donald Trump has declared his approval of a recent drone strike conducted by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) against Houthi militants in Western Yemen, who are backed by Iran. He shared a video on his Truth Social page celebrating the strike, which targeted the Houthis while they were preparing an attack. Trump remarked, “These Houthis gathered for instructions on an attack. Oops, there will be no attack by these Houthis! They will never sink our ships again!”.

The drone footage captured a group of Houthis gathered before a significant explosion occurred, resulting in extensive destruction, with smoke clearing to reveal only two trucks remaining. Context regarding the timing of the drone strike was not provided, but U.S. efforts to diminish Houthi capabilities have escalated since the tail end of the Biden administration.

Beginning in November 2023, the Houthis intensified their missile, drone, and naval operations against Western commercial ships in the Red Sea in opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza. This aggressive stance has significantly impeded commercial shipping through the Suez Canal, a critical route that previously facilitated approximately 30% of the global container traffic. Consequently, ships have been forced to reroute around Africa, extending transit times by up to two weeks.

Despite ongoing U.S. strikes against Houthi targets, the terrorist organization has not ceased its disruptive activities and has led to a persistent global shipping crisis. On December 18, 2023, the Biden administration initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian, collaborating with allied nations, including the UK, Canada, and France, to hinder Houthi assaults. This operation aimed to secure vital maritime routes and restore international shipping norms.

However, over a year into the campaign, these efforts have not secured Red Sea shipping lanes, with traffic through the Suez Canal remaining about 50% lower compared to pre-November 2023 levels. An alarming statistic reveals that there has not been a U.S.-flagged commercial vessel successfully navigating the Suez Canal or adjacent waters for over a year. The Houthis have reportedly formed alliances with Russian and Chinese shipping firms, ensuring safe passage for their operations.

The resilience of Houthi operations can be attributed to their low-cost and flexible tactics, with drone strikes estimated at merely $2,000 each, compared to the substantial costs of conventional military drones. This operational efficiency allows the Houthis to remain effective with minimal infrastructure requirements. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commented on the ongoing conflict, insisting that cessation of hostilities would come only when Houthis halt their threats against shipping.

Intensifying remarks were made by both President Trump and Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the former warning of severe repercussions should attacks on maritime assets continue, while the latter asserted the group’s intent to persist in targeting U.S. naval vessels as a response to ongoing assaults on Yemen.

Furthermore, U.S. military actions have included shooting down Houthi drones, ensuring significant military vigilance. The Houthis had temporarily ceased their offensive actions following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas earlier this year, but revived their attacks in response to continued tensions surrounding humanitarian aid for Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted Iran’s involvement, emphasizing that the Houthis could not maintain their operational capabilities without Iranian support.

Iranian commander Hossein Salami retaliated with warnings of decisive action against threats, asserting the autonomy of the Houthis in their militant decisions, stating, “We warn our enemies that Iran will respond decisively and destructively if they carry out their threats.”

The ongoing conflict with the Iran-supported Houthi militants in Yemen continues to result in significant challenges for commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Despite multiple U.S. military operations aimed at dismantling Houthi capabilities, the group’s resilience and tactical flexibility have perpetuated disturbances in global shipping patterns, forcing a reevaluation of strategies to ensure maritime security. High-ranking officials have uniformly acknowledged the complexities involved in countering Houthi operations, further complicating America’s national interests in the region.

Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk