PRESIDENT Donald Trump said he ordered a series of airstrikes on the Houthi-held areas in Yemen on Saturday, promising to use “overwhelming lethal force” until Iranian-backed Houthi rebels cease their attacks on shipping along a vital maritime corridor. The Houthi rebelrun Health Ministry says the death toll from US strikes on Yemen has climbed to 31, including women and children. Anees al-Asbahi, a spokesperson for the Ministry, said on Sunday that another 101 people were wounded in the overnight strikes.

 

“Our brave Warfighters are right now carrying out aerial attacks on the terrorists’ bases, leaders, and missile defences to protect American shipping, air, and naval assets, and to restore Navigational Freedom,” Trump said in a social media post. “No terrorist force will stopAmerican commercial and naval vessels from freely sailing theWaterways of the World.” TheHouthis reported explosions intheir territory on Saturdayevening, in the capital of Sanaaand the northern province of Saada, the rebels’ stronghold onthe border with Saudi Arabia, with more airstrikes reported inthose areas early Sunday. Images online showed plumesof black smoke over the area of the Sanaa airport complex, whichincludes a sprawling militaryfacility. The Houthis also reported airstrikes early Sunday on theprovinces of Hodeida, Bayda, andMarib.