Biden Asserts US Is Not Engaged in War While Launching Airstrikes in Yemen

In a speech on Wednesday night, President Joe Biden proclaimed himself "the first president this century to report to the American people that the United States is not at war anywhere in the world." This assertion came just before the U.S. military announced airstrikes in Yemen, where U.S. Central Command successfully targeted Iranian-backed Houthi missiles. The timing of Biden's statement raised eyebrows, as it contradicted ongoing military actions abroad. Biden has previously taken credit for ending the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, labeling it "the longest war in American history." His administration's recent airstrikes in Yemen marked a significant escalation, being the first direct U.S. attack on the Houthis and the first airstrike in Yemen in two years. The Houthis have threatened to target Israeli-linked shipping in response to the conflict in Gaza, complicating the regional dynamics further. Despite Biden's claims of military disengagement, the U.S. continues to engage in conflicts in other regions, notably Somalia, where American forces are conducting airstrikes against the Islamist group al-Shabab. U.S. Africa Command reported multiple airstrikes in 2023, highlighting ongoing military commitments that contradict the president's narrative of peace. Additionally, Biden reaffirmed U.S. support for Ukraine and Israel, emphasizing the need to counter Russian aggression and maintain NATO's strength. Critics argue that his administration's military actions and foreign policy decisions create a disconnect between rhetoric and reality, leading to confusion among the American public regarding the nation's military engagements.