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Epoch Times
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Hegseth Warns Iran Will ‘Pay the Consequence' for Backing Yemen's Houthis
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday warned Iran it faces serious military consequences for supporting the Houthis. The U.S. operation against the Houthis in Yemen, dubbed Operation Rough Rider, has been targeting the terrorists as the Trump administration negotiates with Iran over its nuclear program. In an April 30 social media Message to IRAN: We see your lethal support to The Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing. You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of—and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing.' The United States and Iran are set to reconvene for talks in Rome on Saturday. Mediated by the Gulf state of Oman, the talks are aimed at sealing a deal that would block Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon while lifting economic sanctions imposed by Washington. The United States and Iran have so far held three rounds of indirect talks. The United States is conducting strikes on Yemen from two aircraft carriers in the region, the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea and the USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Sea. Related Stories 4/30/2025 4/28/2025 It is targeting the Iranian-backed Houthis because of the group's attacks on Israel and shipping in the Red Sea, a crucial global trade route. On April 27, the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) Yemen's government has also been battling against the Houthis, who have taken control of portions of Yemen in recent years. Just south of Saudi Arabia, Yemen sits on the Gulf of Aden and has a population of about 39 million. The Houthis, who are supportive of Hamas in Gaza, have stated that they attack ships connected to Israel. Iran has supplied drones and drone technology to its allies in the so-called Axis of Resistance, which includes the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Both have used drones against Israel, although the Houthis have tended to target shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandab Strait. In In remarks published by state-run Tasnim News, he The UK's Royal Air Force It was the UK's first involvement with the United States' new and intensified campaign targeting the group. The UK's Ministry of Defence described the site that was targeted as 'a cluster of buildings, used by the terrorists to manufacture drones of the type used to attack ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, located some 15 miles south of Sanaa.' The defense ministry 'The strike was conducted after dark, when the likelihood of any civilians being in the area was reduced yet further.' In a statement Healey said the action was taken in response to a 'persistent threat' from the Houthis to freedom of navigation. 'A 55 percent drop in shipping through the Red Sea has already cost billions, fuelling regional instability and risking economic security for families in the UK,' Healey said. 'The Government is steadfast in our commitment to reinforcing global stability and protecting British working people.' The strikes come ahead of the expected passage of the Guy Birchall and Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
Gulf Insider
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
Single Deadliest Yemen Strike Of Trump Presidency Destroys Vital Oil Port
Fresh US airstrikes on Yemen Thursday marked the single-deadliest known attack under President Donald Trump's new campaign targeting the Houthi rebels. The Pentagon has been intensely bombing Yemen since March 15, when the Gaza truce collapsed. A Houthi spokesman announced Friday that the attacks killed 38 people and wounded 102 others. The death toll was hours later updated to at least 74 killed. The operation mainly targeted and destroyed the Ras Isa oil port, which sent massive fireballs shooting into the night sky. The Red Sea port includes a collection of three large oil tanks, and is the terminus of an oil pipeline going to Yemen's energy-rich Marib governorate. On Friday open-source satellite imagery showed an extensive blaze at the site. Local footage of the aftermath of the strikes has widely circulated on social media. Much of it is very graphic, showing corpses strewn across the ground as huge fires rage all around. United States Central Command (CENTCOM) had quickly confirmed the strikes on the oil terminal. 'The Houthis have continued to benefit economically and militarily from countries and companies that provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization,' a statement began. 'The Iran-backed Houthis use fuel to sustain their military operations, as a weapon of control, and to benefit economically from embezzling the profits from the import. This fuel should be legitimately supplied to the people of Yemen.' The statement further noted that fuel has continued to be be shipped via the port of Ras Isa, and that profits have helped bolster the Houthis' military capabilities. Perhaps anticipating large civilian casualties, CENTCOM continued, 'This strike was not intended to harm the people of Yemen, who rightly want to throw off the yoke of Houthi subjugation and live peacefully.' And that's when the Pentagon highlighted Iran's role, at a moment the White House has warned it could bomb Tehran if it doesn't come to the table to forge a new nuclear agreement. 'The Houthis, their Iranian masters, and those who knowingly aid and abet their terrorist actions should be put on notice that the world will not accept illicit smuggling of fuel and war material to a terrorist organization,' it said. Huge fireball at the Ras Isa oil port on the Red Sea coast… The Houthis, in response, have rejected and denounced the attack which killed civilians, saying: 'This completely unjustified aggression represents a flagrant violation of Yemen's sovereignty and independence and a direct targeting of the entire Yemeni people.' The statement featured by the SABA news agency then said, 'It targets a vital civilian facility that has served the Yemeni people for decades.' Another video from the scene: ⚡️🇺🇸🇾🇪BREAKING:Al-Hudaydah Health Office: The death toll from the American attack on the Ras Issa oil port in Hodeidah, Yemen has risen to 58 and 126 wounded, in a preliminary attack was carried out in two stages. After the first wave of airstrikes, ambulance crews… — Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) April 18, 2025 Some local sources are claiming it was a 'double-tap' strike, and that the death toll is so high because the second wave hit after emergency crews first arrived at the scene, but these statements cannot be verified.
Shafaq News
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
US attack on Yemen: Ras Issa Port destroyed
Shafaq News/ At least 17 people were killed and dozens more wounded in a US airstrike on the Ras Isa oil port in western Yemen on Thursday evening, Yemeni media reported on Froday. Meanwhile, rescue teams and civil defense units have rushed to the scene, treating the injured and battling fires at the port. Earrlier, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) carried out a series of airstrikes along Yemen's western coast, targeting several Houthi-controlled sites. In a post on X, CENTCOM announced the destruction of the Ras Issa fuel port, a key facility used by the Houthis. Destruction of Houthi-controlled Ras Isa Fuel PortThe Houthis have continued to benefit economically and militarily from countries and companies that provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. The Iran-backed Houthis use fuel to sustain their… — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 17, 2025 US forces carried out the strikes 'to eliminate this source of fuel for the Iranian-backed Houthis,' the statement noted, adding that the objective was to impact the group's economic resources while avoiding harm to the Yemeni population. Earlier today, Houthi-affiliated media outlets reported that two US airstrikes had also targeted the Al-Sama' area in Arhab district, northeast of the capital Sanaa. Four additional strikes were reported in the Ras Issa area, located in the western province of al-Hudaydah. The operation came days after the Houthis announced a ban on Israeli-linked vessels in regional waters on March 12, citing Israel's blockade on aid to Gaza. The US resumed air operations on March 15 in an effort to deter further attacks by the group.
Yemen Online
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Yemen Online
Yemen : Over 100 Houthi targets hit in US bombing campaign, defense official says
The US military has struck more than 100 Houthi targets in Yemen since launching its bombing campaign last month, an American defense official told Al Arabiya English on Tuesday. 'We have destroyed command and control facilities, weapons manufacturing facilities, and advanced weapons storage locations. We have also confirmed the death of several Houthi leaders,' the official said, without providing additional details on who exactly was killed. Among the assets used in the campaign are recently deployed B-2 stealth bombers, capable of carrying 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs. Officials say the bombers have been conducting operations against underground Houthi facilities and weapons storage sites. Several of the aircraft have been stationed in the Indian Ocean to support the strikes. The top US military general for the Middle East, Gen. Erik Kurilla, met with senior Yemeni military officials last week during a trip to Saudi Arabia. Kurilla and his Yemeni counterparts discussed the ongoing US campaign against the Houthis, 'designed to restore freedom of navigation,' according to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM). The Houthis have claimed several attacks against US ships and that they have downed multiple MQ-9 Reaper drones. At least three drones have been shot down in the last two months, according to officials. When asked if any of the Houthi attacks had hit US ships or assets, the US defense official said: 'US personnel and assets are safe and accounted for.' Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned on Monday that the campaign is far from over. 'It's about to get worse,' he said, describing intensified operations ahead. President Donald Trump also echoed the administration's assertations that US strikes have killed several senior Houthi figures and weapons experts. However, the White House has not provided evidence to support these assertions, and Pentagon officials have declined to offer further details. Despite growing criticism over the campaign's cost and effectiveness—US media reports suggest the operations have cost nearly $1 billion—senior defense officials maintain that the effort is achieving its objectives. Hegseth has pushed back on doubts, insisting the campaign has been both justified and successful. The US defense official told Al Arabiya English on Tuesday that the Houthis still maintain capabilities, but it is mainly because of the nearly 10 years of support provided by Iran. 'We are already seeing progress but have nothing additional to offer at this time,' the official added. 'When the Houthis stop shooting at us, we will stop shooting at them,' the official said, citing previous comments by Hegseth. Asked about civilian casualties, the official said the Pentagon takes allegations of civilian casualties seriously and has a process to review them. In a further show of force, Hegseth recently ordered additional squadrons and air defense assets to the region. A second aircraft carrier was redirected from the Indo-Pacific to bolster the US presence in the Middle East, alongside deployments of Patriot missile batteries and a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. While the Pentagon has not confirmed the exact deployment sites, reports indicate the THAAD system was sent to Israel. Message to Iran Although the enhanced military posture has primarily targeted the Houthis, officials say it is also meant to send a clear signal to Iran. The US defense official said capabilities or details of adversaries are not discussed due to operational security reasons. 'However, Secretary Hegseth continues to make clear that, should Iran or its proxies threaten American personnel and interests in the region, the United States will take decisive action to defend our people.' The US and Iran are expected to hold direct talks this weekend in Oman—the first in months—to discuss Tehran's nuclear program. Washington has reiterated its position that Iran will not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Trump on Monday at the White House to discuss regional developments, including Iran. On Tuesday, Netanyahu called on the US to oversee the dismantling or destruction of Iran's nuclear infrastructure, warning that military force should remain an option if diplomacy fails.
Al Arabiya
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Over 100 Houthi targets hit in US bombing campaign, defense official says
The US military has struck more than 100 Houthi targets in Yemen since launching its bombing campaign last month, an American defense official told Al Arabiya English on Tuesday. 'We have destroyed command and control facilities, weapons manufacturing facilities, and advanced weapons storage locations. We have also confirmed the death of several Houthi leaders,' the official said, without providing additional details on who exactly was killed. Among the assets used in the campaign are recently deployed B-2 stealth bombers, capable of carrying 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs. Officials say the bombers have been conducting operations against underground Houthi facilities and weapons storage sites. Several of the aircraft have been stationed in the Indian Ocean to support the strikes. The top US military general for the Middle East, Gen. Erik Kurilla, met with senior Yemeni military officials last week during a trip to Saudi Arabia. Kurilla and his Yemeni counterparts discussed the ongoing US campaign against the Houthis, 'designed to restore freedom of navigation,' according to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM). The Houthis have claimed several attacks against US ships and that they have downed multiple MQ-9 Reaper drones. At least three drones have been shot down in the last two months, according to officials. When asked if any of the Houthi attacks had hit US ships or assets, the US defense official said: 'US personnel and assets are safe and accounted for.' Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned on Monday that the campaign is far from over. 'It's about to get worse,' he said, describing intensified operations ahead. President Donald Trump also echoed the administration's assertations that US strikes have killed several senior Houthi figures and weapons experts. However, the White House has not provided evidence to support these assertions, and Pentagon officials have declined to offer further details. Despite growing criticism over the campaign's cost and effectiveness—US media reports suggest the operations have cost nearly $1 billion—senior defense officials maintain that the effort is achieving its objectives. Hegseth has pushed back on doubts, insisting the campaign has been both justified and successful. The US defense official told Al Arabiya English on Tuesday that the Houthis still maintain capabilities, but it is mainly because of the nearly 10 years of support provided by Iran. 'We are already seeing progress but have nothing additional to offer at this time,' the official added. 'When the Houthis stop shooting at us, we will stop shooting at them,' the official said, citing previous comments by Hegseth. Asked about civilian casualties, the official said the Pentagon takes allegations of civilian casualties seriously and has a process to review them. In a further show of force, Hegseth recently ordered additional squadrons and air defense assets to the region. A second aircraft carrier was redirected from the Indo-Pacific to bolster the US presence in the Middle East, alongside deployments of Patriot missile batteries and a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. While the Pentagon has not confirmed the exact deployment sites, reports indicate the THAAD system was sent to Israel. Message to Iran Although the enhanced military posture has primarily targeted the Houthis, officials say it is also meant to send a clear signal to Iran. The US defense official said capabilities or details of adversaries are not discussed due to operational security reasons. 'However, Secretary Hegseth continues to make clear that, should Iran or its proxies threaten American personnel and interests in the region, the United States will take decisive action to defend our people.' The US and Iran are expected to hold direct talks this weekend in Oman—the first in months—to discuss Tehran's nuclear program. Washington has reiterated its position that Iran will not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Trump on Monday at the White House to discuss regional developments, including Iran. On Tuesday, Netanyahu called on the US to oversee the dismantling or destruction of Iran's nuclear infrastructure, warning that military force should remain an option if diplomacy fails.
