In an unexpected move, President Trump declared that the U.S. would cease bombings of the Houthi militia after asserting that the group no longer seeks conflict. However, the Houthis maintain a commitment to military support for Gaza, leaving ambiguity regarding their actions towards international shipping.
U.S. Halts Airstrikes on Houthi Militants Amid Conflicting Responses
U.S. Halts Airstrikes on Houthi Militants Amid Conflicting Responses
President Trump announces an end to U.S. bombings in Yemen following a claimed cessation of hostilities from Houthi leaders, while concerns about their ongoing military engagements persist.
In a surprising announcement, President Trump stated on Tuesday that the United States would stop its airstrikes against the Houthi militia in Yemen. During a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the Oval Office, Trump suggested that the Iranian-backed Yemeni group had expressed a desire to cease hostilities, claiming, "They just don’t want to fight." He indicated the decision was also influenced by the Houthis' promise not to attack ships anymore.
Following Trump's comments, Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti, a high-ranking official in the Houthi movement, noted that while they would halt assaults on U.S. military fleets, their operations would continue in support of Gaza until Israel ends its blockade. Al-Bukhaiti emphasized their willingness to persist in military action "even if we have to fight until Judgment Day." This statement raises questions about the Houthis' intentions concerning international shipping, which was a primary aim of the U.S. airstrikes.
Experts remain doubtful about the long-term implications of the ceasefire from the Houthis. Gregory Johnsen, a former member of the United Nations Security Council’s Panel of Experts on Yemen, expressed skepticism regarding the Houthis' commitment to peace. He remarked that while there may have been private assurances not to target U.S. interests, evidence for a genuine cessation of hostilities by the Houthis is lacking. The Houthis have a history of targeting vessels that do not explicitly relate to Israel or the U.S., leaving their future actions uncertain.
As the geopolitical landscape shifts, the complexities of U.S.-Houthi relations continue to unfold, with broader implications for the Middle East and international shipping routes.
