US airstrikes in Yemen kill 53, Houthi rebels vow escalation
What's the story
The US has escalated its military action against Iran-backed Houthis, a rebel group based in Yemen.
President Donald Trump vowed to unleash "overwhelming lethal force" against the rebels after they attacked international ships.
The assaults were carried out in solidarity with Gaza.
The recent air raids have claimed heavy casualties, making it one of the most extensive attacks since the Gaza war broke out in Oct'23.
Attack details
US airstrikes target multiple locations in Yemen
The US has conducted airstrikes on multiple sites in Yemen, including in the capital city Sanaa, and the Houthi stronghold province of Sadaa.
The Houthi-run Health Ministry said at least 53 people were killed in the strikes, including five women and two children.
Over 100 people were also wounded during the operations.
Presidential warning
Trump warns of severe consequences for Houthis
President Trump has warned that if the Houthis don't stop their attacks on international ships in the Red Sea, "hell will rain down" on them like "nothing you have seen before."
This statement puts an emphasis on the US's firm stance against the Houthis, officially known as the Ansar Allah.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also announced that the strikes would continue until these Iran-backed militants 'no longer have the capability' to attack international ships.
Shipping attacks
Houthis's history of targeting international shipping
The Houthis have targeted international shipping in the Red Sea in the past; they have sunk two vessels as part of their solidarity acts with Palestinians in Gaza.
Rubio said that in the last 18 months, the rebels have directly attacked the US Navy 174 times and have targeted commercial shipping with "guided precision anti-ship weaponry."
They had stopped following a ceasefire agreement in Gaza that came into force in January.
Retaliation promised
Houthis vow to respond to US strikes
After the recent US airstrikes, Houthis's political bureau said they will "meet escalation with escalation."
On Sunday, the militants said they attacked the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group with missiles and a drone.
Michael Waltz claimed multiple Houthi leaders were targeted and eliminated in the strikes, but he did not identify them or provide evidence.
Denial
Iran denies involvement in Houthis's attacks
Even though Trump's administration claimed it would hold Iran responsible for the Houthi attacks, Tehran denied involvement.
The Iranian foreign ministry said Washington couldn't dictate its foreign policy.
The Houthi rebellion against the Yemeni government started in 2004 although its roots go to the 1990s.
The Zaydi Shia organization is also believed to have the backing of Iran since 2009.