‘Oops’: Trump Shares Video Of Deadly Strike On Houthis, Says They ‘Will Never Sink Our Ships Again’

Let’s break down the situation involving the Houthis, military strikes, and the broader geopolitical context in which former President Donald Trump’s statement about the deadly strike and defense of U.S. ships might make sense.

1. Who are the Houthis?

The Houthis, formally known as Ansar Allah, are a group from northern Yemen, primarily belonging to the Zaidi Shia sect. They emerged as a political and military force in Yemen in the early 2000s. The group has been a significant player in Yemen’s civil war, which began in 2014 when they took control of Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and later forced the internationally recognized government of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi into exile.

The war involves a complex mix of local, regional, and international interests. The Houthis have been backed by Iran, which sees them as a proxy in its rivalry with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. The Yemeni government, in contrast, has been supported by a Saudi-led coalition, which includes the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other Arab nations.

2. The Threat to Shipping

One of the key flashpoints in the conflict has been the security of maritime routes, especially in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait — a narrow passage between Yemen and Djibouti that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and ultimately to the Indian Ocean. This is a critical route for international trade, including oil shipments.

The Houthis have targeted ships in this area, including attacks on Saudi, Emirati, and commercial vessels. These attacks have raised alarms because of the potential to disrupt global shipping lanes. For instance, the Houthis have used missiles, drones, and sea mines in these strikes, which have resulted in some successful attacks on ships.

In 2019, the U.S. Navy reported that the Houthis targeted commercial ships, and in 2021, the Houthis reportedly attacked the Saudi oil tanker “Abqaiq”, among other incidents.

3. The U.S. Response

The United States has historically supported the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen’s war, although Trump’s administration at times pursued a more hands-off approach, focusing more on countering Iranian influence rather than directly intervening in Yemen’s civil conflict. However, the U.S. has also been directly involved in counter-terrorism operations in Yemen and has supported the protection of vital shipping routes.

In this context, a military strike on the Houthis—like the one Trump might be referencing—would be a direct military response to prevent or punish attacks on U.S. or allied shipping in the region. If a video of such an attack was shared, it could be meant to serve as a clear signal that the U.S. will not tolerate threats to its interests in the region.

4. Trump’s Statement: “Will Never Sink Our Ships Again”

Trump’s statement likely aims to reinforce a stance of strong deterrence—essentially signaling that the U.S. will not allow any interference with its maritime trade or military assets. This is consistent with the broader “America First” approach that emphasized U.S. security interests and a more aggressive posture toward adversaries.

In a geopolitical sense, the statement may be:

• Warning the Houthis: It underscores the potential for retaliatory actions against any threats to U.S. or allied ships, reinforcing the idea that the U.S. will protect its interests and ensure the free passage of vessels through critical waterways.

• Projecting strength: The message is also meant to project U.S. military dominance and its willingness to defend its assets in the region, particularly important given the volatile nature of the Middle East and its significance in global trade and oil supply.

5. The Geopolitical Context

The U.S.-Iran Rivalry:

• The U.S. views the Houthi movement as aligned with Iran, which is often described as a regional rival to U.S. allies like Saudi Arabia. Both sides have engaged in a proxy war throughout the Middle East, with Iran using groups like the Houthis, Hezbollah, and other militias to extend its influence.

U.S. military actions, including retaliatory strikes, may be framed not only as a reaction to the immediate threat posed by Houthi attacks but also as a broader message to Iran about its regional ambitions and its support for proxy groups.

6. Impact on the Conflict and Diplomacy

While military strikes might reduce the immediate threat posed by the Houthis to shipping, they can also escalate the broader conflict in Yemen. This can complicate diplomatic efforts for peace, such as those led by the United Nations. However, the strikes could also push the Houthis to the negotiating table, as they might realize that their actions have led to a significant military response.

It’s also important to note that any military strikes in the region are highly sensitive, with significant humanitarian consequences due to Yemen’s already severe crisis. Yemen’s civilian population is among the worst affected, with millions displaced and a dire humanitarian situation.

Conclusion:

In short, Trump’s statement about the strike on the Houthis and the defense of U.S. ships is embedded in a complex, volatile situation involving military, economic, and political interests. The U.S. is protecting its shipping routes, defending its allies, and confronting the threat posed by the Houthis, who are seen as a proxy for Iranian influence in the region. While the message of deterrence is clear, the long-term implications for the conflict, regional stability, and global security remain uncertain.

If you’re looking for a more detailed breakdown or specific analysis on any of these points, feel free to ask!