WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. —

On Saturday, President Donald Trump declared that he has given the green light for a series of airstrikes aimed at the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. He emphasized his commitment to using “overwhelming lethal force” until the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels cease their attacks on vital shipping routes that play a crucial role in international trade.

“Our brave Warfighters are currently conducting airstrikes against the bases, leadership, and missile sites of these terrorists to protect American maritime, aerial, and naval interests, while restoring Freedom of Navigation,” Trump shared via social media. “No terrorist organization will hinder American commercial and naval vessels from freely navigating the World’s Waters.”

Trump also sent a strong message to Iran, urging them to withdraw their support for the Houthi movement and pledging to hold the country “fully accountable” for the actions of its proxies. This announcement follows a correspondence from the U.S. President to Iranian officials two weeks ago, which hinted at a possible route for rekindling discussions on Iran’s advancing nuclear ambitions, a situation Trump has vowed to prevent from reaching operational status.

Reports from Houthi sources indicated that a series of explosions were heard in their territory on Saturday evening. Social media posts show significant black smoke emanating from the area around the Sanaa airport complex, which is home to a substantial military installation.

The airstrikes were initiated shortly after the Houthis declared their readiness to resume attacks on Israeli vessels operating in the waters near Yemen, in response to Israel’s ongoing blockade of Gaza. However, no Houthi attacks have been reported since that announcement.

Earlier this month, Israel halted all humanitarian aid to Gaza and warned of “additional consequences” for Hamas if the fragile truce in the ongoing conflict is not extended, as discussions for a second phase continue.

The Houthis had previously indicated their desire to broaden their operations in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and Arabian Sea.

From the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict in late 2023 until the ceasefire in January of this year, the Houthis targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, resulting in two vessels being sunk and four sailors losing their lives.

These assaults significantly elevated the Houthis’ profile as they faced local economic hardships and increased crackdowns on dissent and humanitarian workers amidst Yemen’s ongoing conflict, which has devastated one of the Arab world’s poorest nations.

The United States, Israel, and Britain have previously targeted regions in Yemen held by the Houthis. However, Israel’s military has refrained from commenting on these latest developments.

According to the Houthi media office, the U.S. strikes hit “a residential area” in Sanaa’s northern Shouab district. Local residents reported at least four airstrikes shaking the Eastern Geraf neighborhood, leading to panic among families.

“The explosions were incredibly powerful,” said local resident Abdallah al-Alffi. “It felt like an earthquake.”

A U.S. official confirmed that the operations against the Houthis were exclusively conducted by the United States. This marks the first strike on the Yemen-based Houthis during Trump’s second term, following a period of relative tranquility in the region.

Previous extensive missile strikes against the Houthis took place several times during the Biden administration in response to frequent attacks on commercial and military vessels.

The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group, which includes the aircraft carrier along with three Navy destroyers and one cruiser, is currently positioned in the Red Sea as part of this mission, alongside the USS Georgia cruise missile submarine that has been active in the region.

Trump made the announcement regarding the strikes while enjoying the day at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.