Secretary of State Marco Rubio: U.S. Airstrikes on Houthis Benefit Global Security

Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that U.S. airstrikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels are crucial for protecting global shipping. President Trump declared the strikes on Saturday, committing to using overwhelming force until the Houthis cease attacks. Rubio emphasized ongoing military operations to dismantle Houthi capabilities, following a history of attacks on U.S. naval vessels. The campaign will persist until the threat is fully neutralized.

On Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that U.S. airstrikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are a necessary step to eliminate threats to global shipping and U.S. military forces, referring to the actions as “doing the world a favor.” Emphasizing the mission, Rubio asserted that it aims to dismantle the Houthis’ capability to disrupt international shipping.

President Trump announced the airstrikes on Saturday, declaring that the U.S. would utilize “overwhelming lethal force” to compel the Houthis to cease attacks on shipping. U.S. Central Command confirmed the strikes and indicated readiness to prolong operations against the Houthis based on their responses and potential provocations from Iran.

Previously, the Houthis had been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by President Trump in January, a classification reversed by President Biden shortly thereafter due to humanitarian concerns in Yemen. Nevertheless, the Biden administration designated the group as a “Specially Designated Global Terror Group” in 2024.

The recent strikes come amidst ongoing Houthi disruptions to maritime transit in the Red Sea, notably following the group’s threats to target Israeli vessels. Rubio highlighted that while past administrations had opted for retaliatory strikes, the current actions are extensive and systematic rather than isolated responses.

Rubio remarked on the significant threats posed by the Houthis, declaring that they have attacked 174 U.S. naval vessels and 145 commercial ships in the past 18 months. He described the Houthis as a “band of pirates” wielding advanced weaponry, insisting that their activities are unsustainable and must be curtailed.

Regarding the duration of military operations, Rubio affirmed that they would persist until the Houthis are entirely incapacitated. He noted that discussions about ground raids had not arisen, deeming them unnecessary at this stage. Rubio concluded with assurances that key individuals behind recent missile attacks have been targeted and that significant Houthi facilities had been compromised, asserting that threats to U.S. naval forces would not be tolerated under President Trump.

In summary, Secretary of State Marco Rubio articulated that recent U.S. airstrikes on Houthi rebels are essential for safeguarding global shipping and U.S. interests. He underscored the ongoing nature of the campaign, aimed at neutralizing the Houthis’ military capabilities, while also acknowledging the specific threats posed by their actions in the Red Sea. The administration’s strategic approach reflects a commitment to ensuring maritime security and countering terrorism.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com