Houthi supporters display a giant Palestinian flag during a weekly anti-U.S. and anti-Israel rally in Sanaa, Yemen, Friday March, 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrahman)
Houthi supporters display a giant Palestinian flag during a weekly anti-U.S. and anti-Israel rally in Sanaa, Yemen, Friday March, 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrahman)
President Trump said Monday that U.S. attacks on the Iran-backed Houthis could continue unless the Yemen-based terrorist group stops attacking U.S. ships.
“The Iran-backed Houthi Terrorists have been decimated by the relentless strikes over the past two weeks. Many of their Fighters and Leaders are no longer with us. We hit them every day and night — Harder and harder,” Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social.
“Their capabilities that threaten Shipping and the Region are rapidly being destroyed. Our attacks will continue until they are no longer a threat to Freedom of Navigation,” he wrote.
“The choice for the Houthis is clear: Stop shooting at U.S. ships, and we will stop shooting at you,” he said. “Otherwise, we have only just begun, and the real pain is yet to come, for both the Houthis and their sponsors in Iran.”
The U.S. launched airstrikes on the Houthis in March. The Houthis said more than 30 people were killed and 100 injured and administration officials called the airstrikes successful.
“This was an overwhelming response that actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out,” National Security Adviser Michael Waltz said on ABC News’ “This Week.”
The airstrikes came after the terrorist group said it would resume its attacks on Israeli vessels traveling through different waters in the area, including the Red Sea. Their attacks are a way to target Israel during its conflict with Gaza.
Mr. Trump announced the strikes while he was at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
“Today, I have ordered the United States Military to launch decisive and powerful Military action against the Houthi terrorists in Yemen,” he posted on March 15. “They have waged an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American, and other, ships, aircraft and drones.”
He wrote in all caps: “To all the Houthi terrorists, your time is up and your attacks must stop, starting today. If they don’t, hell will rain down upon you like nothing you have ever seen before!”
He also wrote that Iran would be held “fully accountable” for any actions taken.
The Houthis have attacked more than 100 ships since November 2023, a month after the Hamas attack on Israel.
• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.
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