Marco Rubio vows to eliminate Houthi threat to global shipping

In Yemen, U.S. airstrikes conducted by the Trump administration target the Iran-backed Houthi rebels who have been threatening global shipping and U.S. military forces in the region. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on CBS News that these airstrikes are part of a broader mission aimed at dismantling the group's capabilities to attack shipping routes, particularly in the critical Red Sea area. The airstrikes follow a series of Houthi attacks on naval vessels and commercial shipping that have raised significant concerns over security in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Rubio emphasized the necessity of these strikes, framing them not merely as a reaction to previous assaults but as a sustained effort to ensure the Houthis cannot disrupt international trade any longer. Since their increase in hostilities, the Houthis have successfully attacked numerous vessels, leading the U.S. to take decisive action to safeguard maritime operations. Airstrikes were reported over the weekend, resulting in the deaths of key Houthi operatives involved in launching attacks against both commercial and military assets in the area. While Rubio noted that discussions of ground raids have not been forthcoming, he expressed confidence in the strategy of air assaults, which will continue until the Houthi's operational capabilities are significantly diminished. President Trump had previously designated the Houthis as a terror group in 2021, and further actions were reinforced with a recent executive order seeking to apply pressure on the group. The situation continues to evolve with implications for regional and global security, particularly concerning the role of Iran as a backer of the Houthis. The strikes were also reportedly in response to recent threats made by the Houthis to attack Israeli vessels due to the ongoing situation regarding aid to Gaza, highlighting the interconnected nature of these conflicts. The ongoing U.S. military operations reflect an assertive stance on maintaining safe shipping lanes and countering the Houthi threat, which Rubio described as “a band of pirates” with the capability to control vital maritime routes. With the strikes being defined as extending for weeks if necessary, the United States aims to cripple the Houthis' operational structure completely.