Secretary of State Marco Rubio Affirms U.S. Airstrikes Targeting Houthi Threats
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that U.S. airstrikes on Iran-backed Houthis are aimed at mitigating threats to global shipping and U.S. military forces. President Trump announced these strikes, emphasizing overwhelming force until the Houthis cease attacks. Rubio highlighted the Houthis’ previous disruptions in significant shipping lanes and characterized their activities as unsustainable, affirming a commitment to neutralize the group’s capabilities.
In a statement made on a Sunday program, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that U.S. airstrikes targeting Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen aim to eliminate threats to global shipping and U.S. military forces. Rubio remarked, “We’re doing the entire world a favor by getting rid of these guys and their ability to strike global shipping.” He asserted that the military campaign will persist until the mission is accomplished.
President Trump announced these airstrikes, advocating for the use of “overwhelming lethal force” until the Houthis cease their attacks on shipping. U.S. Central Command confirmed the recent strike and indicated potential extended operations depending on reactions from the Houthis and Iran. Additionally, Trump previously re-designated the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization, which had initially been assigned by the previous administration before being lifted.
The airstrikes follow months of Houthi activity disrupting significant Red Sea shipping lanes. Rubio highlighted the Houthis’ intention to resume attacks on Israeli vessels in retaliation for aid blockages in Gaza. He affirmed that the current military operations go beyond mere retaliation, stating that they are meant to dismantle the Houthis’ capabilities to control shipping.
Rubio detailed that over the past year and a half, the Houthis have executed numerous attacks on U.S. naval vessels and commercial shipping, comparing them to a group of pirates armed with sophisticated weaponry. He maintained that this situation is unsustainable and emphasized the importance of neutralizing future threats. He also mentioned that ground raids had not been discussed and were deemed unnecessary for the current phase of the campaign.
Rubio stated that many key individuals involved in missile launches have been neutralized, and critical facilities have been eliminated, signaling an ongoing commitment to dismantling Houthi capabilities. He concluded, “We’re not going to have people sitting around with the missiles attacking the U.S. Navy. It’s not going to happen. Not under President Trump.”
In conclusion, Secretary of State Marco Rubio articulated that the U.S. airstrikes against the Houthi rebels serve to protect global shipping and mitigate threats to national security. The campaign is described as a comprehensive effort to incapacitate the Houthis’ operational capabilities. With continued military action, the U.S. aims to ensure that the Houthis can no longer pose hazards in strategic maritime routes, thereby enhancing global security interests.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
