Yemeni gov't condemns Houthi operations following U.S. military strikes

17/3/2025 5:57

Yemen's internationally recognized government on Sunday condemned the Houthi group's military actions, particularly in the Red Sea, which have led to intensified U.S. military strikes on the war-torn Arab country.

Yemen's Minister of Information Moammar al-Eryani stated that the group "does not care about the future of Yemen" and continues to gamble with Yemeni people's lives "in service of Iran's regional agenda."

In a series of statements posted on social media platform X, al-Eryani emphasized that the Houthi militia "continues to use war... as a means of trying to gain legitimacy," while pushing Yemen "into the abyss of a stifling humanitarian crisis."

The minister's comments followed intensified U.S. military strikes on Saturday against Houthi-controlled areas across northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa and several other provinces. According to Houthi-run media channels, the strikes killed at least 31 people and wounded 101 others, with the group claiming that many casualties were women and children.

Al-Eryani accused Iran of providing military and logistical support that enables the Houthis to "strengthen their positions and expand the scope of their control," emphasizing that the Houthi group "alone must bear the consequences of its adventures."

In response to the U.S. strikes, the Houthi group launched an attack on the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier and its escorts in the Red Sea on Sunday "with a drone and 18 ballistic and cruise missiles," said Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea in a televised statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

It came after the Houthi Supreme Political Council -- the group's highest governing authority -- vowed a "painful" retaliation, framing the American attacks as support for Israel and warning they would "drag the situation to a more severe and painful level."

In a separate statement, the council warned "the aggressors against Yemen will be punished in a professional and painful manner," while calling on the international community to address what it termed "U.S.-Israeli recklessness."

The Houthi leadership also confirmed that its naval operations against "Israeli-linked" shipping would be resumed and continue until the blockade on Gaza is lifted and humanitarian aid is permitted entry.

From November 2023 to Jan. 19 this year, the Houthi group launched dozens of drone and rocket attacks against "Israel-linked" ships and Israeli cities to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The attacks later expanded to include U.S. and British ships after the U.S.-British navy coalition started to intervene and launch strikes against Houthi targets to deter the group.

The Houthis stopped their attacks on Jan. 19, when a Gaza ceasefire deal took effect.

The Houthi group has maintained control of Sanaa and most of northern Yemen for more than a decade, with strong ties to Iran.