Amid the controversial 'Signal chat leak', the US security chiefs are testifying before a House panel on Wednesday (March 26).&nbsp;
Democratic representative Jim Himes of Connecticut, the ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on intelligence slammed Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's handling of the alleged inadvertent leak of a chat about Houthi war plans.&nbsp;
Himes grilled Hegseth, saying, "There&rsquo;s only one response to a mistake of this magnitude: you apologize, you own it, and you stop everything until you can figure out what went wrong, and how it might not ever happen again. That&rsquo;s not what happened."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-want-hegseth-waltz-to-resign-over-war-plan-leak-gabbard-claims-no-classified-material-in-signal-chat-8890127">Democrats want Hegseth, Waltz to resign over war plan leak; Gabbard claims 'no classified material'&nbsp;in&nbsp;Signal&nbsp;chat</a>
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard called it a "mistake" that a reporter was inadvertently included in a Signal chat with top national security officials discussing imminent strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. She added that the National Security Advisor has taken full responsibility.&nbsp;
&ldquo;National Security Advisor has taken full responsibility for this, and the National Security Council is conducting an in-depth review, along with tech, technical experts working to determine how this reporter was inadvertently added to this chat,&rdquo; she added.
Himes further said, &ldquo;The Secretary of Defense responded with a brutal attack on the reporter who did not ask to be on the Signal chain yesterday. Our former colleague Mike Waltz did the same in the White House and then went on Fox to call Jeff Goldberg a loser. What do you think the people who work for you are seeing and learning from that?&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/magazine-publishes-us-attack-plan-mistakenly-shared-in-chat-group-8893398">Trump Houthi attack plan 'revealed; Magazine shares what it claims to be full Yemen strike chat leak</a>
Calling the conversation "candid and sensitive", Gabbard said that as the president and National Security Advisor stated, no classified information was shared.&nbsp;
"This was a standard update to the national security cabinet that was provided alongside updates that were given to foreign partners in the region,&rdquo; Gabbard said.
Further talking about the app used for the chat "Signal", Gabbard said that the app Signal "comes pre-installed on government devices.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-fing-idiot-trump-to-fire-nsa-mike-waltz-over-adding-journalist-in-top-secret-war-chat-says-report-8888913">'A f***ing idiot': Trump to fire NSA Mike Waltz for adding journalist in top secret war chat, says report</a>
&ldquo;Ideally, these conversations occur in person. However, at times, fast-moving coordination of an unclassified nature is necessary, or in person, conversation is not an option."
Further, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, FBI Director Kash Patel, General National Security Agency Director Timothy Haugh and Defense Intelligence Agency Director Lt. General Jeffrey Kruse are all expected to testify at the hearing.
This comes after The Atlantic magazine on Wednesday published what it said was the full text of a chat group mistakenly shared with a journalist by top Trump administration officials laying out plans of an imminent attack on Yemen.
The stunning details, including the times of strikes and types of planes being used, were all laid out in screenshots of the chat. The magazine said it was published after the Trump administration repeatedly denied that any classified information had been included in the unsecured chat.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vance-says-magazine-oversold-us-attack-plan-story-despite-transcript-8893654">Vance says magazine 'oversold' US attack plan story, despite transcript</a>
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: Tulsi Gabbard called it a "mistake" that a reporter was inadvertently included in a chat group where officials were discussing war plans against Houthis.

Amid the controversial 'Signal chat leak', the US security chiefs are testifying before a House panel on Wednesday (March 26). Democratic representative Jim Himes of Connecticut, the ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on intelligence slammed Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's handling of the alleged inadvertent leak of a chat about Houthi war plans. Himes grilled Hegseth, saying, "There’s only one response to a mistake of this magnitude: you apologize, you own it, and you stop everything until you can figure out what went wrong, and how it might not ever happen again. That’s not what happened." Also read: Democrats want Hegseth, Waltz to resign over war plan leak; Gabbard claims 'no classified material' in Signal chat Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard called it a "mistake" that a reporter was inadvertently included in a Signal chat with top national security officials discussing imminent strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. She added that the National Security Advisor has taken full responsibility. “National Security Advisor has taken full responsibility for this, and the National Security Council is conducting an in-depth review, along with tech, technical experts working to determine how this reporter was inadvertently added to this chat,” she added. Himes further said, “The Secretary of Defense responded with a brutal attack on the reporter who did not ask to be on the Signal chain yesterday. Our former colleague Mike Waltz did the same in the White House and then went on Fox to call Jeff Goldberg a loser. What do you think the people who work for you are seeing and learning from that?” Also read: Trump Houthi attack plan 'revealed; Magazine shares what it claims to be full Yemen strike chat leak Calling the conversation "candid and sensitive", Gabbard said that as the president and National Security Advisor stated, no classified information was shared. "This was a standard update to the national security cabinet that was provided alongside updates that were given to foreign partners in the region,” Gabbard said. Further talking about the app used for the chat "Signal", Gabbard said that the app Signal "comes pre-installed on government devices.” Also read: 'A f***ing idiot': Trump to fire NSA Mike Waltz for adding journalist in top secret war chat, says report “Ideally, these conversations occur in person. However, at times, fast-moving coordination of an unclassified nature is necessary, or in person, conversation is not an option." Further, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, FBI Director Kash Patel, General National Security Agency Director Timothy Haugh and Defense Intelligence Agency Director Lt. General Jeffrey Kruse are all expected to testify at the hearing. This comes after The Atlantic magazine on Wednesday published what it said was the full text of a chat group mistakenly shared with a journalist by top Trump administration officials laying out plans of an imminent attack on Yemen. The stunning details, including the times of strikes and types of planes being used, were all laid out in screenshots of the chat. The magazine said it was published after the Trump administration repeatedly denied that any classified information had been included in the unsecured chat. Also read: Vance says magazine 'oversold' US attack plan story, despite transcript (With inputs from agencies)

Signal chat leak: Tulsi Gabbard calls it a 'mistake', says 'in-depth review' is ongoing to probe how it happened

US Democrats began to grill President Donald Trump's top intelligence officials on Tuesday (March 25) over the group chat which had a discussion over Houthi war plans.&nbsp;
Democratic senator Mark Warner grilled Tulsi Gabbard, director of national intelligence, and CIA director John Ratcliffe over the boiling issue which has been making headlines since Monday.&nbsp;
However, Gabbard claimed that there was "no classified material" in the Signal chat.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-fing-idiot-trump-to-fire-nsa-mike-waltz-over-adding-journalist-in-top-secret-war-chat-says-report-8888913">'A f***ing idiot': Trump to fire NSA Mike Waltz for adding journalist in top secret war chat, says report</a>
While, Ratcliffe said that when he was confirmed as CIA director, he was briefed by agency officials about "the use of Signal as a permissible work use&rdquo; and &ldquo;a practice that preceded the current administration to the Biden administration&rdquo;.
These conversations rolled up when Gabbard was delivering the intelligence community&rsquo;s annual threat assessment, listing China&rsquo;s military, Mexico&rsquo;s drug trade and Russia&rsquo;s nuclear weapons among some of the most alarming threats to the country&rsquo;s national security.
Moreover, Democratic Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon said Michael Waltz, a top national security adviser, and Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defense, should resign amid the information leak.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/didnt-think-it-could-be-real-us-journalist-ends-up-in-classified-war-plan-group-chat-with-hegseth-vance-8886952">&lsquo;Didn&rsquo;t think it could be real&rsquo;: US journalist ends up in classified war plan 'group chat' with Hegseth, Vance</a>
Wyden called the Signal chat &ldquo;obviously reckless, obviously dangerous, both the mishandling of classified information and the deliberate destruction of federal records or potential crimes that ought to be investigated immediately&rdquo;.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m of the view that there ought to be resignation, starting with the National Security Advisor and the Secretary of Defense, Director Radcliffe and Director Gabbard,&rdquo; Wyden said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-vs-trump-latest-who-are-houthis-and-will-war-expand-to-israel-uae-saudi-iran-after-trump-warning-to-iran-8885607">Who are Houthis, directly challenging Trump's mighty military? Leaders taken out, missiles fly, war to expand?</a>
This comes after Trump's national security officials sent the war plans for upcoming military strikes in Yemen to a group chat in a secure messaging app, that mistakenly also included the editor-in-chief for the US magazine, The Atlantic.
The material in the text chain &ldquo;contained operational details of forthcoming strikes on Iran-backed Houthi-rebels in Yemen, including information about targets, weapons the US would be deploying, and attack sequencing,&rdquo; editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg reported.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthi-rebels-target-us-aircraft-carrier-truman-in-red-sea-strike-ben-gurion-airport-in-israel-8888811">Houthi rebels target US aircraft carrier Truman in Red Sea, strike Ben Gurion Airport in Israel</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: US Democrats grilled Tulsi Gabbard, and CIA director John Ratcliffe over the boiling 'chat leak' issue which has been making headlines since Monday.

US Democrats began to grill President Donald Trump's top intelligence officials on Tuesday (March 25) over the group chat which had a discussion over Houthi war plans. Democratic senator Mark Warner grilled Tulsi Gabbard, director of national intelligence, and CIA director John Ratcliffe over the boiling issue which has been making headlines since Monday. However, Gabbard claimed that there was "no classified material" in the Signal chat. Also read: 'A f***ing idiot': Trump to fire NSA Mike Waltz for adding journalist in top secret war chat, says report While, Ratcliffe said that when he was confirmed as CIA director, he was briefed by agency officials about "the use of Signal as a permissible work use” and “a practice that preceded the current administration to the Biden administration”. These conversations rolled up when Gabbard was delivering the intelligence community’s annual threat assessment, listing China’s military, Mexico’s drug trade and Russia’s nuclear weapons among some of the most alarming threats to the country’s national security. Moreover, Democratic Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon said Michael Waltz, a top national security adviser, and Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defense, should resign amid the information leak. Also read: ‘Didn’t think it could be real’: US journalist ends up in classified war plan 'group chat' with Hegseth, Vance Wyden called the Signal chat “obviously reckless, obviously dangerous, both the mishandling of classified information and the deliberate destruction of federal records or potential crimes that ought to be investigated immediately”. “I’m of the view that there ought to be resignation, starting with the National Security Advisor and the Secretary of Defense, Director Radcliffe and Director Gabbard,” Wyden said. Also read: Who are Houthis, directly challenging Trump's mighty military? Leaders taken out, missiles fly, war to expand? This comes after Trump's national security officials sent the war plans for upcoming military strikes in Yemen to a group chat in a secure messaging app, that mistakenly also included the editor-in-chief for the US magazine, The Atlantic. The material in the text chain “contained operational details of forthcoming strikes on Iran-backed Houthi-rebels in Yemen, including information about targets, weapons the US would be deploying, and attack sequencing,” editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg reported. Also read: Houthi rebels target US aircraft carrier Truman in Red Sea, strike Ben Gurion Airport in Israel (With inputs from agencies)

Democrats want Hegseth, Waltz to resign over war plan leak; Gabbard claims 'no classified material' in Signal chat

US President Donald Trump might push National Security Advisor Mike Waltz out of his position after he added a journalist to a private chat group, where the officials were discussing US strikes on the Houthis, Politico reported.&nbsp;
Trump's national security officials sent the war plans for upcoming military strikes in Yemen to a group chat in a secure messaging app, that mistakenly also included the editor-in-chief for the US magazine, The Atlantic.
According to White House officials, Trump will make the decision in the next day or two.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthi-rebels-target-us-aircraft-carrier-truman-in-red-sea-strike-ben-gurion-airport-in-israel-8888811">Houthi rebels target US aircraft carrier Truman in Red Sea, strike Ben Gurion Airport in Israel</a>
&ldquo;Half of them are saying he&rsquo;s never going to survive or shouldn&rsquo;t survive,&rdquo; a senior administration official told Politico, referring to multiple text threads among staffers discussing Waltz&rsquo;s fate.&nbsp;
Further, two senior aides have brought up the idea of Waltz stepping down to avoid putting Trump in a &ldquo;bad position,&rdquo; the report added.
&ldquo;Everyone in the White House can agree on one thing: Mike Waltz is a fucking idiot,&rdquo; one person close to the White House said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mike-waltz-in-hot-water-journalist-reveals-trumps-national-advisor-follows-gay-porn-account-waltz-leaked-yemen-war-plans-8887613">Mike Waltz in hot water: Journalist reveals Trump's National Advisor follows gay porn account</a>
However, Trump earlier told reporters that he was not aware that the sensitive information had been shared.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know anything about it. I&rsquo;m not a big fan of The Atlantic. To me, it&rsquo;s a magazine that&rsquo;s going out of business. I think it&rsquo;s not much of a magazine but I know nothing about it,&rdquo; Trump said. &ldquo;You&rsquo;re saying that they had what?&rdquo;
After the reporter specified that the messages were sent through the messaging app Signal, Trump cut him off, saying, &ldquo;Having to do with what? What were they talking about?&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/didnt-think-it-could-be-real-us-journalist-ends-up-in-classified-war-plan-group-chat-with-hegseth-vance-8886952">&lsquo;Didn&rsquo;t think it could be real&rsquo;: US journalist ends up in classified war plan 'group chat' with Hegseth, Vance</a>
<h2>What was there in the chat?</h2>
The material in the text chain &ldquo;contained operational details of forthcoming strikes on Iran-backed Houthi-rebels in Yemen, including information about targets, weapons the US would be deploying, and attack sequencing,&rdquo; editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg reported.
Further, just two hours after Goldberg got the details of the attack in the group, the US launched a series of airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen.&nbsp;
Notably, the US has conducted airstrikes against the Iran-backed Houthis since the militant group began targeting commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea in November 2023.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usha-vance-to-visit-greenland-with-delegation-including-mike-waltz-only-purpose-is-to-show-8884160">Usha&nbsp;Vance to visit Greenland with delegation including Mike Waltz: 'Only purpose is to show...'</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Donald Trump's national security officials sent the war plans for upcoming military strikes in Yemen to a group chat, that mistakenly also included a journalist.

US President Donald Trump might push National Security Advisor Mike Waltz out of his position after he added a journalist to a private chat group, where the officials were discussing US strikes on the Houthis, Politico reported. Trump's national security officials sent the war plans for upcoming military strikes in Yemen to a group chat in a secure messaging app, that mistakenly also included the editor-in-chief for the US magazine, The Atlantic. According to White House officials, Trump will make the decision in the next day or two. Also read: Houthi rebels target US aircraft carrier Truman in Red Sea, strike Ben Gurion Airport in Israel “Half of them are saying he’s never going to survive or shouldn’t survive,” a senior administration official told Politico, referring to multiple text threads among staffers discussing Waltz’s fate. Further, two senior aides have brought up the idea of Waltz stepping down to avoid putting Trump in a “bad position,” the report added. “Everyone in the White House can agree on one thing: Mike Waltz is a fucking idiot,” one person close to the White House said. Also read: Mike Waltz in hot water: Journalist reveals Trump's National Advisor follows gay porn account However, Trump earlier told reporters that he was not aware that the sensitive information had been shared. “I don’t know anything about it. I’m not a big fan of The Atlantic. To me, it’s a magazine that’s going out of business. I think it’s not much of a magazine but I know nothing about it,” Trump said. “You’re saying that they had what?” After the reporter specified that the messages were sent through the messaging app Signal, Trump cut him off, saying, “Having to do with what? What were they talking about?” Also read: ‘Didn’t think it could be real’: US journalist ends up in classified war plan 'group chat' with Hegseth, Vance What was there in the chat? The material in the text chain “contained operational details of forthcoming strikes on Iran-backed Houthi-rebels in Yemen, including information about targets, weapons the US would be deploying, and attack sequencing,” editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg reported. Further, just two hours after Goldberg got the details of the attack in the group, the US launched a series of airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. Notably, the US has conducted airstrikes against the Iran-backed Houthis since the militant group began targeting commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea in November 2023. Also read: Usha Vance to visit Greenland with delegation including Mike Waltz: 'Only purpose is to show...' (With inputs from agencies)

'A f***ing idiot': Trump to fire NSA Mike Waltz for adding journalist in top secret war chat, says report

The White House on Monday (March 24) admitted that a journalist was mistakenly included in a messaging group where top US officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, discussed planned military strikes in Yemen.
On Monday, National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes said, &ldquo;We are reviewing how an inadvertent number was added to the chain.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-has-influenced-some-in-white-house-zelensky-accuses-us-of-falling-for-russian-propaganda-8886917">'Russia has influenced some in White House': Zelensky accuses US of falling for Russian propaganda</a>
<h2>Here's what happened:</h2>
The issue came to light after The Atlantic published an article by its editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg. In it, he revealed that he had been unexpectedly added to a Signal group chat where confidential military operations were being discussed.
&ldquo;US national-security leaders included me in a group chat about upcoming military strikes in Yemen. I didn&rsquo;t think it could be real. Then the bombs started falling,&rdquo; Goldberg wrote, adding, &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve never seen a breach quite like this.&rdquo;
According to Goldberg, the conversation began on Tuesday, 11 March, when he was added to a Signal group titled &ldquo;Houthi PC small group.&rdquo; Over the following days, the group discussed detailed plans for airstrikes targeting the Houthis in Yemen, who have been attacking Western ships in the Red Sea for over a year.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-still-waiting-for-you-zelensky-says-he-invited-jd-vance-again-to-visit-ukraine-8886895">&lsquo;We&rsquo;re still waiting for you&rsquo;: Zelensky says he invited JD Vance again to visit Ukraine</a>
Goldberg said that messages in the group included highly sensitive and classified information, with participants identifying themselves as senior figures in the Trump administration, including Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Antonio Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance.
In one message, &ldquo;Michael Waltz&rdquo; wrote: &ldquo;Team &ndash; establishing a principles [sic] group for coordination on Houthis, particularly for over the next 72 hours. My deputy Alex Wong is pulling together a tiger team at deputies/agency Chief of Staff level following up from the meeting in the [Situation Room] this morning for action items and will be sending that out later this evening.&rdquo;
Other users followed up by naming representatives for various departments, including the CIA, Treasury, and National Security Council. Pete Hegseth named Dan Caldwell to represent the Pentagon.
Despite his doubts about the group&rsquo;s authenticity, Goldberg said the participants went on to share classified discussions about targets, timing, and potential consequences of the planned strikes. At one point, Vice President Vance voiced hesitation, saying he believed the administration was &ldquo;making a mistake&rdquo; by moving forward so quickly, though he agreed to back the majority view.
Hegseth argued against delaying the strikes, saying that any hold-up could risk leaks and make the administration appear &ldquo;indecisive.&rdquo; He wrote, &ldquo;We are prepared to execute, and if I had final go or no go vote, I believe we should. This [is] not about the Houthis. I see it as two things: 1) Restoring Freedom of Navigation, a core national interest; and 2) Reestablish deterrence, which [former President Joe Biden] cratered.&rdquo;
On Friday, 15 March, at 11:44 AM ET, Goldberg received a &ldquo;team update&rdquo; from Hegseth that reportedly contained operational details about the airstrikes &mdash; including targets, weapons, and timing. Just two hours later, explosions were heard in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The issue came to light after The Atlantic published an article by its editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg. In it, he revealed that he had been unexpectedly added to a Signal group chat where confidential military operations were being discussed.

The White House on Monday (March 24) admitted that a journalist was mistakenly included in a messaging group where top US officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, discussed planned military strikes in Yemen. On Monday, National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes said, “We are reviewing how an inadvertent number was added to the chain.” Also read: 'Russia has influenced some in White House': Zelensky accuses US of falling for Russian propaganda Here's what happened: The issue came to light after The Atlantic published an article by its editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg. In it, he revealed that he had been unexpectedly added to a Signal group chat where confidential military operations were being discussed. “US national-security leaders included me in a group chat about upcoming military strikes in Yemen. I didn’t think it could be real. Then the bombs started falling,” Goldberg wrote, adding, “I’ve never seen a breach quite like this.” According to Goldberg, the conversation began on Tuesday, 11 March, when he was added to a Signal group titled “Houthi PC small group.” Over the following days, the group discussed detailed plans for airstrikes targeting the Houthis in Yemen, who have been attacking Western ships in the Red Sea for over a year. Also read: ‘We’re still waiting for you’: Zelensky says he invited JD Vance again to visit Ukraine Goldberg said that messages in the group included highly sensitive and classified information, with participants identifying themselves as senior figures in the Trump administration, including Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Antonio Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance. In one message, “Michael Waltz” wrote: “Team – establishing a principles [sic] group for coordination on Houthis, particularly for over the next 72 hours. My deputy Alex Wong is pulling together a tiger team at deputies/agency Chief of Staff level following up from the meeting in the [Situation Room] this morning for action items and will be sending that out later this evening.” Other users followed up by naming representatives for various departments, including the CIA, Treasury, and National Security Council. Pete Hegseth named Dan Caldwell to represent the Pentagon. Despite his doubts about the group’s authenticity, Goldberg said the participants went on to share classified discussions about targets, timing, and potential consequences of the planned strikes. At one point, Vice President Vance voiced hesitation, saying he believed the administration was “making a mistake” by moving forward so quickly, though he agreed to back the majority view. Hegseth argued against delaying the strikes, saying that any hold-up could risk leaks and make the administration appear “indecisive.” He wrote, “We are prepared to execute, and if I had final go or no go vote, I believe we should. This [is] not about the Houthis. I see it as two things: 1) Restoring Freedom of Navigation, a core national interest; and 2) Reestablish deterrence, which [former President Joe Biden] cratered.” On Friday, 15 March, at 11:44 AM ET, Goldberg received a “team update” from Hegseth that reportedly contained operational details about the airstrikes — including targets, weapons, and timing. Just two hours later, explosions were heard in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Didn’t think it could be real’: US journalist ends up in classified war plan 'group chat' with Hegseth, Vance

Israel said it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen on Tuesday, after air raid sirens sounded in several areas in Israel's south.
Sirens went off in Beersheba and parts of the Negev desert, according to the Israeli military's Home Front Command.
A military statement later said that "a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted by the IAF (air force) prior to crossing into Israeli territory."
This was the first reported attack on Israel from Yemen since a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza came into force on January 19.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-a-one-day-attack-israel-warns-hamas-of-continuing-military-operation-in-gaza-says-us-had-their-back-8867235">'Not a one-day attack': Israel warns Hamas of continuing military operation in Gaza, says US had their back</a>
Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels, who have targeted Israel before, condemned the resumption of strikes on Gaza on Tuesday, vowing escalation in support of Palestinians after threatening earlier this month to attack Israeli ships in the Red Sea.
The wave of Israeli strikes, by far the deadliest since the truce took effect, killed more than 400 people across the Gaza Strip, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run territory.
The Huthis' supreme political council condemned in a statement "the Zionist enemy's resumption of aggression against the Gaza Strip".
"The Palestinian people will not be left alone in this battle, and Yemen will continue its support and assistance, and escalate confrontation steps," it added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-strikes-houthi-held-city-in-yemen-after-trump-warns-of-great-force-against-retaliation-8863511">US strikes Houthi-held city in Yemen after Trump warns of &lsquo;great force&rsquo; against retaliation</a>
The Huthis, part of Iran's "axis of resistance" against the United States and Israel, launched scores of drone and missile attacks on passing ships and Israeli territory during the Gaza war, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: A military statement later said that "a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted by the IAF (air force) prior to crossing into Israeli territory."

Israel said it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen on Tuesday, after air raid sirens sounded in several areas in Israel's south. Sirens went off in Beersheba and parts of the Negev desert, according to the Israeli military's Home Front Command. A military statement later said that "a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted by the IAF (air force) prior to crossing into Israeli territory." This was the first reported attack on Israel from Yemen since a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza came into force on January 19. Also read: 'Not a one-day attack': Israel warns Hamas of continuing military operation in Gaza, says US had their back Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels, who have targeted Israel before, condemned the resumption of strikes on Gaza on Tuesday, vowing escalation in support of Palestinians after threatening earlier this month to attack Israeli ships in the Red Sea. The wave of Israeli strikes, by far the deadliest since the truce took effect, killed more than 400 people across the Gaza Strip, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run territory. The Huthis' supreme political council condemned in a statement "the Zionist enemy's resumption of aggression against the Gaza Strip". "The Palestinian people will not be left alone in this battle, and Yemen will continue its support and assistance, and escalate confrontation steps," it added. Also read: US strikes Houthi-held city in Yemen after Trump warns of ‘great force’ against retaliation The Huthis, part of Iran's "axis of resistance" against the United States and Israel, launched scores of drone and missile attacks on passing ships and Israeli territory during the Gaza war, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel air defences intercept Houthi ballistic missile, sirens heard in several regions

Hours after US President Donald Trump's warning, Houthi media reported fresh US air strikes on Monday (March 17). As per a report by the news agency AFP, the US targeted rebel-held Hodeida on Yemen's western coast.
"A strike by the American aggression targeted the region of Bajel in the Hodeida governorate," while others targeted a steel factory in the Al-Salif region in the same governorate, according to the Houthi's Saba press agency.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-bidens-jan-6-panel-pardons-are-void-over-autopen-use-does-he-have-a-case-8863438">Trump claims Biden&rsquo;s Jan. 6 panel pardons are &lsquo;void&rsquo; over autopen use: Does he have a case?</a>
The US strike comes after Trump warned that "any further attack or retaliation by the &ldquo;Houthis&rdquo; will be met with great force, and there is no guarantee that that force will stop there."
Trump also claimed that Iran was behind every airstrike and attack by Houthi rebels, saying, "Let nobody be fooled! The hundreds of attacks being made by Houthi, the sinister mobsters and thugs based in Yemen, who are hated by the Yemeni people, all emanate from, and are created by IRAN."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-says-iran-will-be-held-responsible-for-houthi-strikes-warns-of-dire-consequences-8863104">Trump says Iran &lsquo;will be held responsible&rsquo; for Houthi strikes, warns of &lsquo;dire consequences&rsquo;</a>
Earlier on Monday, Yemen&rsquo;s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacking a US aircraft carrier group twice within 24 hours.&nbsp;
A spokesperson for the Houthis, posting on Telegram, said that the strikes were carried out in response to &ldquo;the continued American aggression against our country.&rdquo;
According to Yemen&rsquo;s Houthi-controlled health ministry, American airstrikes on Saturday resulted in 53 deaths, including women and children, while 98 others sustained injuries.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/russia-ukraine-war-trumps-ukraine-peace-plan-isnt-about-peace-its-a-pr-stunt-8862762">Trump&rsquo;s Ukraine &lsquo;peace&rsquo; plan isn&rsquo;t about peace. It&rsquo;s a PR stunt</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: "A strike by the American aggression targeted the region of Bajel in the Hodeida governorate," while others targeted a steel factory in the Al-Salif region in the same governorate, according to the Houthi's Saba press agency.

Hours after US President Donald Trump's warning, Houthi media reported fresh US air strikes on Monday (March 17). As per a report by the news agency AFP, the US targeted rebel-held Hodeida on Yemen's western coast. "A strike by the American aggression targeted the region of Bajel in the Hodeida governorate," while others targeted a steel factory in the Al-Salif region in the same governorate, according to the Houthi's Saba press agency. Also read: Trump claims Biden’s Jan. 6 panel pardons are ‘void’ over autopen use: Does he have a case? The US strike comes after Trump warned that "any further attack or retaliation by the “Houthis” will be met with great force, and there is no guarantee that that force will stop there." Trump also claimed that Iran was behind every airstrike and attack by Houthi rebels, saying, "Let nobody be fooled! The hundreds of attacks being made by Houthi, the sinister mobsters and thugs based in Yemen, who are hated by the Yemeni people, all emanate from, and are created by IRAN." Also read: Trump says Iran ‘will be held responsible’ for Houthi strikes, warns of ‘dire consequences’ Earlier on Monday, Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacking a US aircraft carrier group twice within 24 hours. A spokesperson for the Houthis, posting on Telegram, said that the strikes were carried out in response to “the continued American aggression against our country.” According to Yemen’s Houthi-controlled health ministry, American airstrikes on Saturday resulted in 53 deaths, including women and children, while 98 others sustained injuries. Also read: Trump’s Ukraine ‘peace’ plan isn’t about peace. It’s a PR stunt (With inputs from agencies)

US strikes Houthi-held city in Yemen after Trump warns of ‘great force’ against retaliation

US President Donald Trump on Monday (March 17) blamed Iran for the Houthi attacks on American ships, warning that any further aggression would be met with "great force."
He said that any assault by the Houthis would be treated as an act directed by Iran&rsquo;s leadership, warning Tehran of severe repercussions.
<h2>'IRAN will be held responsible'</h2>
"Let nobody be fooled! The hundreds of attacks being made by Houthi, the sinister mobsters and thugs based in Yemen, who are hated by the Yemeni people, all emanate from, and are created by, IRAN. Any further attack or retaliation by the &lsquo;Houthis&rsquo; will be met with great force, and there is no guarantee that that force will stop there," Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/russia-ukraine-war-trumps-ukraine-peace-plan-isnt-about-peace-its-a-pr-stunt-8862762">Trump&rsquo;s Ukraine &lsquo;peace&rsquo; plan isn&rsquo;t about peace. It&rsquo;s a PR stunt</a>
He went on to say, "Iran has played &lsquo;the innocent victim&rsquo; of rogue terrorists from which they&rsquo;ve lost control, but they haven&rsquo;t lost control. They&rsquo;re dictating every move, giving them the weapons, supplying them with money and highly sophisticated Military equipment, and even, so-called, &lsquo;Intelligence.&rsquo;"
"Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon, from this point forward, as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN, and IRAN will be held responsible, and suffer the consequences, and those consequences will be dire!" he warned.
<h2>US-Houthi tensions on rise</h2>
Meanwhile, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed on Monday to have attacked an American aircraft carrier group twice within 24 hours. They described the assault as retaliation for US airstrikes that left dozens dead.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-response-to-us-aggression-yemens-huthis-attack-us-aircraft-carrier-after-deadly-trump-airstrikes-8859770">Yemen&rsquo;s Houthis attack US aircraft carrier after Trump airstrikes kill 53</a>
The Houthis initially stated they had fired 18 missiles and a drone at the USS Harry Truman and its accompanying warships in the Red Sea. A few hours later, they claimed to have launched a second attack.
A Houthi spokesperson, posting on Telegram, called the strikes a response to "the continued American aggression against our country."
The US has vowed to continue its strikes on Yemen until the Houthis stop their attacks on Red Sea shipping.
According to the Houthi health ministry, US strikes on Saturday killed 53 people, including women and children, and wounded 98 others.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Trump said that any assault by the Houthis would be treated as an act directed by Iran’s leadership, warning Tehran of severe repercussions.

US President Donald Trump on Monday (March 17) blamed Iran for the Houthi attacks on American ships, warning that any further aggression would be met with "great force." He said that any assault by the Houthis would be treated as an act directed by Iran’s leadership, warning Tehran of severe repercussions. 'IRAN will be held responsible' "Let nobody be fooled! The hundreds of attacks being made by Houthi, the sinister mobsters and thugs based in Yemen, who are hated by the Yemeni people, all emanate from, and are created by, IRAN. Any further attack or retaliation by the ‘Houthis’ will be met with great force, and there is no guarantee that that force will stop there," Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. Also read: Trump’s Ukraine ‘peace’ plan isn’t about peace. It’s a PR stunt He went on to say, "Iran has played ‘the innocent victim’ of rogue terrorists from which they’ve lost control, but they haven’t lost control. They’re dictating every move, giving them the weapons, supplying them with money and highly sophisticated Military equipment, and even, so-called, ‘Intelligence.’" "Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon, from this point forward, as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN, and IRAN will be held responsible, and suffer the consequences, and those consequences will be dire!" he warned. US-Houthi tensions on rise Meanwhile, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed on Monday to have attacked an American aircraft carrier group twice within 24 hours. They described the assault as retaliation for US airstrikes that left dozens dead. Also read: Yemen’s Houthis attack US aircraft carrier after Trump airstrikes kill 53 The Houthis initially stated they had fired 18 missiles and a drone at the USS Harry Truman and its accompanying warships in the Red Sea. A few hours later, they claimed to have launched a second attack. A Houthi spokesperson, posting on Telegram, called the strikes a response to "the continued American aggression against our country." The US has vowed to continue its strikes on Yemen until the Houthis stop their attacks on Red Sea shipping. According to the Houthi health ministry, US strikes on Saturday killed 53 people, including women and children, and wounded 98 others. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump says Iran ‘will be held responsible’ for Houthi strikes, warns of ‘dire consequences’

The Houthi rebels in Yemen announced on Sunday (March 16) that they had launched an attack on a United States aircraft carrier in the Red Sea. This came just hours after the US carried out airstrikes against the Iran-backed group, resulting in at least 53 casualties.
&ldquo;In response to this (US) aggression, the armed forces conducted a military operation... targeting the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman and its accompanying warships,&rdquo; the rebels stated. According to their claim, they fired 18 missiles and a drone in the attack.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-of-decisive-response-after-trump-orders-strikes-on-houthis-russia-urges-us-to-not-use-force-in-yemen-8858857">Iran warns of &lsquo;decisive&rsquo; response after Trump orders strikes on Houthis; Russia urges US to not use force in Yemen</a>
<h2>Deadly US strikes target Houthi leaders</h2>
The US airstrikes carried out on Saturday, marked the first direct action against the rebel group since President Donald Trump returned to office in January. The White House confirmed that several Houthi leaders had been killed in the operation.
According to the Yemeni rebels&rsquo; health ministry, the strikes left at least 53 people dead.
US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz told ABC News that the strikes &ldquo;actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out.&rdquo; He also stressed that the US would hold both the Houthis and their Iranian backers accountable.
&ldquo;If that means their targeting ships that they have put in to help, their Iranian trainers... other things that they have put in to help the Houthis attack the global economy, those targets will be on the table too,&rdquo; he stated. Speaking separately on Fox News, Waltz said the strikes served as a clear warning to Iran, declaring that &ldquo;enough is enough.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-puts-iran-on-notice-after-us-strike-on-yemen-kills-multiple-houthi-leaders-8859305">&lsquo;Enough is enough&rsquo;: White House puts Iran &lsquo;on notice&rsquo; after US strike kills multiple Houthi leaders</a>
<h2>Trump issues stern warning</h2>
Following the attacks, President Trump made a forceful statement on Truth Social, warning Houthi leaders, &ldquo;YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON&rsquo;T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!&rdquo;
He also directed a warning at Iran, saying &ldquo;To Iran: Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY! Do NOT threaten the American People, their President, who has received one of the largest mandates in Presidential History, or Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won&rsquo;t be nice about it!&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: “In response to this (US) aggression, the armed forces conducted a military operation... targeting the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman and its accompanying warships,” the rebels said.

The Houthi rebels in Yemen announced on Sunday (March 16) that they had launched an attack on a United States aircraft carrier in the Red Sea. This came just hours after the US carried out airstrikes against the Iran-backed group, resulting in at least 53 casualties. “In response to this (US) aggression, the armed forces conducted a military operation... targeting the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman and its accompanying warships,” the rebels stated. According to their claim, they fired 18 missiles and a drone in the attack. Also read: Iran warns of ‘decisive’ response after Trump orders strikes on Houthis; Russia urges US to not use force in Yemen Deadly US strikes target Houthi leaders The US airstrikes carried out on Saturday, marked the first direct action against the rebel group since President Donald Trump returned to office in January. The White House confirmed that several Houthi leaders had been killed in the operation. According to the Yemeni rebels’ health ministry, the strikes left at least 53 people dead. US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz told ABC News that the strikes “actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out.” He also stressed that the US would hold both the Houthis and their Iranian backers accountable. “If that means their targeting ships that they have put in to help, their Iranian trainers... other things that they have put in to help the Houthis attack the global economy, those targets will be on the table too,” he stated. Speaking separately on Fox News, Waltz said the strikes served as a clear warning to Iran, declaring that “enough is enough.” Also read: ‘Enough is enough’: White House puts Iran ‘on notice’ after US strike kills multiple Houthi leaders Trump issues stern warning Following the attacks, President Trump made a forceful statement on Truth Social, warning Houthi leaders, “YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON’T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!” He also directed a warning at Iran, saying “To Iran: Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY! Do NOT threaten the American People, their President, who has received one of the largest mandates in Presidential History, or Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it!” (With inputs from agencies)

Yemen’s Houthis attack US aircraft carrier after Trump airstrikes kill 53

TThe first U.S. strikes against Yemen's Houthis under President Trump have killed 31 people in multiple cities across the country. The Iran-backed rebels say that women and children are among those dead. The strikes targeted multiple cities, including the Yemeni capital of Sanaa. Strikes were also reported in Hudaydah, home to Houthi-held military facilities and its political bureau, as well as in southwestern Dhamar and the district of Abs.

US airstrikes in Yemen: Iran condemns strikes as a 'gross violation' of international law

US strikes killed "multiple" Houthi leaders in Yemen, the White House said Sunday (March 16).
The attack was described as a strong response to the group's continued assaults on Red Sea shipping, with Washington also warning Iran to cease its support for the rebels.
Speaking to ABC News, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz stated, &ldquo;These were not kind of pinprick, back and forth -- what ultimately proved to be feckless attacks.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-of-decisive-response-after-trump-orders-strikes-on-houthis-russia-urges-us-to-not-use-force-in-yemen-8858857">Iran warns of &lsquo;decisive&rsquo; response after Trump orders strikes on Houthis; Russia urges US to not use force in Yemen</a>
He added that the strikes were a significant escalation, saying, &ldquo;This was an overwhelming response that actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out. And the difference here is, one, going after the Houthi leadership, and two, holding Iran responsible.&rdquo;
"It is Iran that has repeatedly funded, resourced, trained, and helped the Houthis target not only US warships, but global commerce, and has helped the Houthis shut down two of the world's most strategic sea lanes," Waltz added.
In a separate interview with Fox News, Waltz reiterated the message to Tehran, declaring, &ldquo;We just hit them with overwhelming force and put Iran on notice that enough is enough.&rdquo;
<h2>Trump&rsquo;s warning to Iran</h2>
President Donald Trump on Saturday announced the military action, calling it a "decisive step" against the Houthis. A Houthi health official later reported that the airstrikes had resulted in 31 deaths.
Trump also delivered a stern warning to Iran, stating, &ldquo;To Iran: Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY! Do NOT threaten the American People, their President, who has received one of the largest mandates in Presidential History, or Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won&rsquo;t be nice about it!&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alien-enemies-act-the-18th-century-wartime-law-trump-used-for-deportation-but-failed-explained-8858793">Alien Enemies Act: The 18th-century wartime law Trump used for deportation but failed, explained</a>
<h2>Iran&rsquo;s response</h2>
Iran&rsquo;s Revolutionary Guards chief, Hossein Salami, dismissed Trump&rsquo;s threats, saying, &ldquo;Iran will not wage war, but if anyone threatens, it will give appropriate, decisive and conclusive responses.&rdquo;
Salami also defended the Houthis, referring to them as &ldquo;the representative of the Yemenis&rdquo; and asserting that they make their own &ldquo;strategic and operational decisions&rdquo; independently.
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Meanwhile, Iran&rsquo;s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, criticised the US, saying, &ldquo;The United States Government has no authority, or business, dictating Iranian foreign policy.&rdquo; He further condemned the airstrikes, urging Washington to stop &ldquo;the killing of Yemeni people&rdquo; and reminded that &ldquo;the time when Washington could dictate Tehran&rsquo;s foreign policy ended in 1979&rdquo;, referencing Iran&rsquo;s Islamic Revolution.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: President Donald Trump on Saturday announced the military action, calling it a decisive step against the Houthis. A Houthi health official later reported that the airstrikes had resulted in 31 deaths.

US strikes killed "multiple" Houthi leaders in Yemen, the White House said Sunday (March 16). The attack was described as a strong response to the group's continued assaults on Red Sea shipping, with Washington also warning Iran to cease its support for the rebels. Speaking to ABC News, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz stated, “These were not kind of pinprick, back and forth -- what ultimately proved to be feckless attacks.” Also read: Iran warns of ‘decisive’ response after Trump orders strikes on Houthis; Russia urges US to not use force in Yemen He added that the strikes were a significant escalation, saying, “This was an overwhelming response that actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out. And the difference here is, one, going after the Houthi leadership, and two, holding Iran responsible.” "It is Iran that has repeatedly funded, resourced, trained, and helped the Houthis target not only US warships, but global commerce, and has helped the Houthis shut down two of the world's most strategic sea lanes," Waltz added. In a separate interview with Fox News, Waltz reiterated the message to Tehran, declaring, “We just hit them with overwhelming force and put Iran on notice that enough is enough.” Trump’s warning to Iran President Donald Trump on Saturday announced the military action, calling it a "decisive step" against the Houthis. A Houthi health official later reported that the airstrikes had resulted in 31 deaths. Trump also delivered a stern warning to Iran, stating, “To Iran: Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY! Do NOT threaten the American People, their President, who has received one of the largest mandates in Presidential History, or Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it!” Also read: Alien Enemies Act: The 18th-century wartime law Trump used for deportation but failed, explained Iran’s response Iran’s Revolutionary Guards chief, Hossein Salami, dismissed Trump’s threats, saying, “Iran will not wage war, but if anyone threatens, it will give appropriate, decisive and conclusive responses.” Salami also defended the Houthis, referring to them as “the representative of the Yemenis” and asserting that they make their own “strategic and operational decisions” independently. Also read: 'Feared for my life’: How Columbia student Ranjani Srinivasan doged immigration officials before 'self-deporting' Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, criticised the US, saying, “The United States Government has no authority, or business, dictating Iranian foreign policy.” He further condemned the airstrikes, urging Washington to stop “the killing of Yemeni people” and reminded that “the time when Washington could dictate Tehran’s foreign policy ended in 1979”, referencing Iran’s Islamic Revolution. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Enough is enough’: White House puts Iran ‘on notice’ after US strike kills multiple Houthi leaders

Yemen's Houthi rebels accused Washington on Thursday of designating them a terrorist group for supporting the Palestinian people, their stated motive for months of attacks on Israel and in the Red Sea.
On Wednesday, US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump" rel="dofollow">Donald Trump</a> signed an executive order to once again blacklist the Iran-backed rebels as a "foreign terrorist organisation", moving to reimpose the more restrictive categorisation after it was dropped by his predecessor.
"The American designation targets all the Yemeni people and their honourable position in support of the oppressed Palestinian people," said a Houthi statement quoted by the rebel-affiliated Al-Masirah TV channel. 
"This reflects the degree of bias on the part of the current American administration in favour of the usurper Zionist entity (Israel)."
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The Houthis are part of Iran's "axis of resistance", a collection of militant groups in the region arrayed against Israel. 
For more than a year they have waged a campaign of attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden that has disrupted global shipping.
They have also repeatedly launched missiles and drones at Israel since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, which was sparked by Palestinian militant group Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
The Houthis have said their attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinians. 
<h2>'Pretext' for sanctions</h2>
Iran too condemned the group's terror designation on Thursday, with foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei saying the blacklisting was "a pretext for imposing inhumane sanctions against the Yemeni people", describing it as "unjustified and baseless".
Iran insists that its allied groups act independently.
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Israel, meanwhile, welcomed the move, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar calling it "an important step in fighting terror and combating the destabilising elements in our region".
The Houthis were blacklisted during Trump's first term, but were removed in 2021 after his successor Joe Biden took office.
The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/joe-biden" rel="dofollow">Biden</a> administration last year put the Houthis back on the list of "specially designated global terrorist" groups, a slightly less severe classification that still allowed for humanitarian aid to reach the war-torn country.
Trump's redesignation order may take several weeks to come into effect. 
Yemen has been at war since 2014, when the Houthis forced the internationally recognised government out of the capital Sanaa and much of the north and the Red Sea coast.
The conflict has led to a dire humanitarian crisis, with a senior UN official saying more than 19.5 million people in Yemen will need assistance in 2025, including around 17 million who cannot meet their basic food needs.
The Houthis urged the "international community and human rights organisations on Thursday to condemn" the terrorist designation, saying it would "have negative repercussions on the humanitarian situation in Yemen".
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World, Middle East: On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to once again blacklist the Iran-backed Houthi rebels as a "foreign terrorist organisation".

Yemen's Houthi rebels accused Washington on Thursday of designating them a terrorist group for supporting the Palestinian people, their stated motive for months of attacks on Israel and in the Red Sea. On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to once again blacklist the Iran-backed rebels as a "foreign terrorist organisation", moving to reimpose the more restrictive categorisation after it was dropped by his predecessor. "The American designation targets all the Yemeni people and their honourable position in support of the oppressed Palestinian people," said a Houthi statement quoted by the rebel-affiliated Al-Masirah TV channel. "This reflects the degree of bias on the part of the current American administration in favour of the usurper Zionist entity (Israel)." Also read: 'Blatantly unconstitutional,' Federal judge blocks Trump’s birthright citizenship order The Houthis are part of Iran's "axis of resistance", a collection of militant groups in the region arrayed against Israel. For more than a year they have waged a campaign of attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden that has disrupted global shipping. They have also repeatedly launched missiles and drones at Israel since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, which was sparked by Palestinian militant group Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The Houthis have said their attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinians. 'Pretext' for sanctions Iran too condemned the group's terror designation on Thursday, with foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei saying the blacklisting was "a pretext for imposing inhumane sanctions against the Yemeni people", describing it as "unjustified and baseless". Iran insists that its allied groups act independently. Also read: Trump slams ‘unfair’ EU trade policies, vows US will ‘do something about it’ Israel, meanwhile, welcomed the move, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar calling it "an important step in fighting terror and combating the destabilising elements in our region". The Houthis were blacklisted during Trump's first term, but were removed in 2021 after his successor Joe Biden took office. The Biden administration last year put the Houthis back on the list of "specially designated global terrorist" groups, a slightly less severe classification that still allowed for humanitarian aid to reach the war-torn country. Trump's redesignation order may take several weeks to come into effect. Yemen has been at war since 2014, when the Houthis forced the internationally recognised government out of the capital Sanaa and much of the north and the Red Sea coast. The conflict has led to a dire humanitarian crisis, with a senior UN official saying more than 19.5 million people in Yemen will need assistance in 2025, including around 17 million who cannot meet their basic food needs. The Houthis urged the "international community and human rights organisations on Thursday to condemn" the terrorist designation, saying it would "have negative repercussions on the humanitarian situation in Yemen". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Yemen's Houthi rebels call US 'terrorist organisation' label 'bias for Israel', Iran condemns move

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to reinstate the "foreign terrorist organisation" designation for Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, the White House announced on Wednesday (Jan 22).
Former president Joe Biden had lifted that label when he took over the White House from Trump in 2021, before calling them a "specially designated global terrorist" entity, a slightly less severe classification that still allowed for humanitarian aid to reach the war-torn country.
<h2 dir="ltr">Humanitarian organisations' concerns influenced Biden&rsquo;s decision</h2>
Biden's decision was shaped by concerns from humanitarian organisations, who warned that they would have to pull out of Yemen if the US didn't adjust its approach. The issue was that these organisations had to work with the Houthi rebels, who control much of the country, including the capital Sanaa.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/laken-riley-act-us-congress-passes-trump-crackdown-on-migrant-criminals-and-suspects-8645556">Laken Riley Act: US Congress passes Trump's hardline immigration crackdown bill</a>
To address this, the Biden administration made a distinction between designating the Houthis as terrorists and allowing humanitarian aid to continue flowing into Yemen.
His administration argued that taking the Houthis off the FTO list was necessary for civilians in Yemen to have better access to aid amid a bloody civil war.
<h2 dir="ltr">Houthis carried over 100 attacks on merchant ships</h2>
The recent move grants the US government additional sanctions authority, giving Trump more tools to go after the Iran-backed Yemeni terror group.
"The Houthis' activities threaten the security of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East, the safety of our closest regional partners, and the stability of global maritime trade," the White House said in a statement.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-cancels-travel-plans-for-thousands-of-refugees-approved-to-resettle-in-us-8645135">Trump administration cancels travel plans for thousands of refugees approved to resettle in US</a>
The Houthis, who control most of Yemen, have carried out over 100 attacks on ships in the Red Sea since November 2023. They claim these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amidst Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza. They have sunk two vessels, seized another, and caused the deaths of at least four seafarers.
The attacks have disrupted global shipping, compelling companies to redirect their routes through longer and costlier journeys around southern Africa for over a year.
The implementation of this order is expected to take several weeks.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: US President Donald Trump has reinstated the "foreign terrorist organisation" label for Yemen's Houthi rebels, a move aimed at countering Iran's influence in the region.

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to reinstate the "foreign terrorist organisation" designation for Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, the White House announced on Wednesday (Jan 22). Former president Joe Biden had lifted that label when he took over the White House from Trump in 2021, before calling them a "specially designated global terrorist" entity, a slightly less severe classification that still allowed for humanitarian aid to reach the war-torn country. Humanitarian organisations' concerns influenced Biden’s decision Biden's decision was shaped by concerns from humanitarian organisations, who warned that they would have to pull out of Yemen if the US didn't adjust its approach. The issue was that these organisations had to work with the Houthi rebels, who control much of the country, including the capital Sanaa. Also read | Laken Riley Act: US Congress passes Trump's hardline immigration crackdown bill To address this, the Biden administration made a distinction between designating the Houthis as terrorists and allowing humanitarian aid to continue flowing into Yemen. His administration argued that taking the Houthis off the FTO list was necessary for civilians in Yemen to have better access to aid amid a bloody civil war. Houthis carried over 100 attacks on merchant ships The recent move grants the US government additional sanctions authority, giving Trump more tools to go after the Iran-backed Yemeni terror group. "The Houthis' activities threaten the security of American civilians and personnel in the Middle East, the safety of our closest regional partners, and the stability of global maritime trade," the White House said in a statement. Also read | Trump administration cancels travel plans for thousands of refugees approved to resettle in US The Houthis, who control most of Yemen, have carried out over 100 attacks on ships in the Red Sea since November 2023. They claim these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amidst Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza. They have sunk two vessels, seized another, and caused the deaths of at least four seafarers. The attacks have disrupted global shipping, compelling companies to redirect their routes through longer and costlier journeys around southern Africa for over a year. The implementation of this order is expected to take several weeks. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump re-designates Iranian-backed Houthi rebels as ‘foreign terrorist organisation’

Following the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the conflict in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-announcement-of-gaza-ceasefire-deal-a-look-at-the-key-events-of-the-war-8626882">Gaza</a> starting on Sunday, forces in Iraq and Yemen have said that they will suspend their attacks on Israel.
Although the Israeli cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has yet to confirm the deal, key mediators have announced the agreement between the two sides. The ceasefire has also been welcomed within the Iran-led Axis of Resistance.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-deal-stalled-by-israels-netanyahu-hamas-denies-backtracking-claims-8627077">Netanyahu stalls Gaza ceasefire deal until Hamas drops &lsquo;last-minute concessions&rsquo;; group denies backtracking</a>
<h2>'If they return, we will return'</h2>
Akram al-Kaabi, the secretary-general of the Nujaba Movement, said in a statement published on Wednesday, &ldquo;With this important development, we announce that we will suspend our military operations against the entity in solidarity with its halt in Palestine, and to strengthen the continuation of the truce in Gaza.&rdquo;&nbsp;
However, he also warned, &ldquo;Let the usurping entity know that any foolishness on its part in Palestine or the region will be met with a harsh response, and that our fingers are still on the trigger and our missiles and drones are fully prepared. If they return, we will return.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-keir-starmer-in-ukraine-to-sign-landmark-100-year-partnership-8627144">British PM Keir Starmer in Ukraine to sign 'landmark 100-year' partnership. What is it?</a>
Mohammed Abdul Salam, a spokesperson for Yemen&rsquo;s Houthi Movement, also announced the group&rsquo;s decision to end its operations against Israel, adding that their &ldquo;battle [is] reaching its conclusion with the declaration of a ceasefire in Gaza.&rdquo; However, he said that Israel&rsquo;s &ldquo;continued occupation of Palestine represents a threat to the security and stability of the region.&rdquo;
Iran&rsquo;s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) also lauded the ceasefire, describing it as a &ldquo;victory&rdquo; for Hamas. The IRGC said in a statement, &ldquo;The end of the war and the imposition of a ceasefire&hellip; is a clear victory and a great victory for Palestine and a bigger defeat for the monstrous Zionist regime.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-inauguration-these-top-leaders-and-billionaires-will-attend-the-mega-event-8627312">Trump&rsquo;s inauguration: THESE top leaders and billionaires will attend the mega event</a>
Qatar and the United States, as key mediators, confirmed the agreement. Qatar&rsquo;s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, announced on Wednesday that the ceasefire would begin on Sunday, January 19, marking the start of phase one of the agreement. During this initial phase, 33 Israeli hostages are expected to be released over 42 days.
(With inputs from agencies)

World, Middle East: Qatar and the United States, as key mediators, confirmed the agreement. Qatar’s Prime Minister announced on Wednesday that the ceasefire would begin on January 19,

Following the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the conflict in Gaza starting on Sunday, forces in Iraq and Yemen have said that they will suspend their attacks on Israel. Although the Israeli cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has yet to confirm the deal, key mediators have announced the agreement between the two sides. The ceasefire has also been welcomed within the Iran-led Axis of Resistance. Also read: Netanyahu stalls Gaza ceasefire deal until Hamas drops ‘last-minute concessions’; group denies backtracking 'If they return, we will return' Akram al-Kaabi, the secretary-general of the Nujaba Movement, said in a statement published on Wednesday, “With this important development, we announce that we will suspend our military operations against the entity in solidarity with its halt in Palestine, and to strengthen the continuation of the truce in Gaza.” However, he also warned, “Let the usurping entity know that any foolishness on its part in Palestine or the region will be met with a harsh response, and that our fingers are still on the trigger and our missiles and drones are fully prepared. If they return, we will return.” Also read: British PM Keir Starmer in Ukraine to sign 'landmark 100-year' partnership. What is it? Mohammed Abdul Salam, a spokesperson for Yemen’s Houthi Movement, also announced the group’s decision to end its operations against Israel, adding that their “battle [is] reaching its conclusion with the declaration of a ceasefire in Gaza.” However, he said that Israel’s “continued occupation of Palestine represents a threat to the security and stability of the region.” Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) also lauded the ceasefire, describing it as a “victory” for Hamas. The IRGC said in a statement, “The end of the war and the imposition of a ceasefire… is a clear victory and a great victory for Palestine and a bigger defeat for the monstrous Zionist regime.” Also read: Trump’s inauguration: THESE top leaders and billionaires will attend the mega event Qatar and the United States, as key mediators, confirmed the agreement. Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, announced on Wednesday that the ceasefire would begin on Sunday, January 19, marking the start of phase one of the agreement. During this initial phase, 33 Israeli hostages are expected to be released over 42 days. (With inputs from agencies)

‘If they return, we will return’: Iraq, Yemen forces to halt attacks on Israel after Gaza ceasefire

The Yemeni Houthi group announced another attack against a US aircraft carrier in the Red Sea amid tensions between the group and the US, UK, and Israel. Watch this report for more details!

Houthi military claims attack on US aircraft carrier

After striking Houthi targets in Yemen on Friday (Jan 10), the Israeli military warned that it would hunt down the leaders of the Iran-backed rebel group.&nbsp;
The Houthis have attacked Israel in what they have said is a show of solidarity to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip since the war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hope-new-lebanon-president-will-help-achieve-stability-says-israel-8605572" rel="dofollow">West Asia crisis: Hope new Lebanon president will help achieve 'stability,' says Israel</a>
In a statement, the Israeli military said, "A short while ago... fighter jets struck military targets belonging to the Houthi terrorist regime on the western coast and inland Yemen."
The military said that the strikes were carried out in retaliation for the rebel group's missile and drone launches into Israel.
<h2>'Houthis are paying, will continue to pay...'</h2>
Following the strikes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the Houthis were being punished for their repeated attacks on his country.
"As we promised, the Houthis are paying, and they will continue to pay, a heavy price for their aggression against us," Netanyahu said, vowing not to tolerate attacks against Israel.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-houthi-gamble-an-unlikely-force-shaping-west-asia-8584677" rel="dofollow">The Houthi Gamble: An unlikely force shaping West Asia</a>
"The Houthis are a proxy of Iran and they serve the terrorist objectives of the Iranian axis in the Middle East," he said, adding the group posed a "danger to Israel" and the region.
<h2>'Will hunt down leaders of Houthi...'</h2>
Israel's Defence Israel Katz said that his country would hunt down leaders of Houthi.
"The Hodeida port is paralysed, and the Ras Issa port is on fire -&ndash; there will be no immunity for anyone", Defence Minister Katz said in a video statement.&nbsp;

In a statement, the Israeli military said that the strikes were carried out in retaliation for the rebel group's missile and drone launches into Israel.

After striking Houthi targets in Yemen on Friday (Jan 10), the Israeli military warned that it would hunt down the leaders of the Iran-backed rebel group. The Houthis have attacked Israel in what they have said is a show of solidarity to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip since the war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023. Also read | West Asia crisis: Hope new Lebanon president will help achieve 'stability,' says Israel In a statement, the Israeli military said, "A short while ago... fighter jets struck military targets belonging to the Houthi terrorist regime on the western coast and inland Yemen." The military said that the strikes were carried out in retaliation for the rebel group's missile and drone launches into Israel. 'Houthis are paying, will continue to pay...' Following the strikes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the Houthis were being punished for their repeated attacks on his country. "As we promised, the Houthis are paying, and they will continue to pay, a heavy price for their aggression against us," Netanyahu said, vowing not to tolerate attacks against Israel. Also read | The Houthi Gamble: An unlikely force shaping West Asia "The Houthis are a proxy of Iran and they serve the terrorist objectives of the Iranian axis in the Middle East," he said, adding the group posed a "danger to Israel" and the region. 'Will hunt down leaders of Houthi...' Israel's Defence Israel Katz said that his country would hunt down leaders of Houthi. "The Hodeida port is paralysed, and the Ras Issa port is on fire -– there will be no immunity for anyone", Defence Minister Katz said in a video statement.

West Asia crisis: After striking Houthi targets, Israel warns it will hunt its leaders

Yemen’s Houthi rebels claim responsibility for targeting Israel’s power plant with ballistic missiles, escalating tensions in the region.

Yemen's Houthis claim to target Israel's power plant with ballistic missiles

Emerging in the 1990s as a resistance movement against the corrupt Yemen government, the Houthis soon gained popularity as an armed political and religious group which champions Yemen's Shia Muslim minority, the Zaidis. Forcing the country&rsquo;s internationally recognized government to flee to the southern city of Aden in 2014, the Houthis have established themselves as the de facto government of Yemen.&nbsp; &nbsp; Declaring to be a part of the Iranian-led "Axis of resistance" against Israel, the US, and the wider West, the Houthis have built their ideology targeting them, as evident in their slogan &ldquo;Death to America, death to Israel, curse upon the Jews, victory to Islam&rdquo;. &nbsp; Formerly known as the Ansar Allah (Partisans of God), little is known about their leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi. Sanctioned by both, the U.S. Treasury and the UN Security Council from 2015, al-Houthi was still able to create a defiant force that would challenge the world powers.&nbsp; &nbsp; Despite their affinity for Iran, the Houthis deny being puppets of Tehran. What brings Houthis close to Iran and its proxies is the common dissatisfaction with the status quo of West Asia, one which is largely influenced by the US and its partners, especially Israel and Saudi Arabia. &nbsp; Since Hamas' 7 October 2023 attack on Israel and Israel's retaliatory military offensive in Gaza, the Houthis have intensified their attacks on Israel, the Red Sea and the US instalments in the region. The Houthis have since intensified their manpower and arsenal. The number of Houthi fighters is estimated at 350,000 now, compared with 220,000 in 2022 and 30,000 in 2015. Within the Axis, the militia has coordinated with the Iraq-based Islamic Resistance in their attacks against Israel.&nbsp;
Houthi Arsenal- A Growing Threat &nbsp; Defunct Yemeni military weapons purchased from the Soviet Union and North Korea played a critical role in the initial Houthi attacks. In recent years Houthis have bolstered their arsenal, and analysts credit this expansion to covert support from Iran, which has supplied weapons to all its proxies across West Asia.&nbsp; &nbsp; To challenge Saudi Arabia, its regional nemesis, Iran has equipped Houthis with relatively cheap weapons capable of striking far beyond Yemen's borders. From 2015 to 2024, the US and its coalition partners intercepted at least 20 ships transporting Iranian missiles and advanced weapons to the Houthis.&nbsp;
The reach and sophistication of their weapons were exhibited in their first attack on Tel Aviv on 19 July 2024. Without being detected by the radars, the Yaffa drone manoeuvred its way from Yemen and approached Tel Aviv from the west to attack.&nbsp;
The Houthis further amplified attacks using their newly unveiled Palestine-2 hypersonic ballistic missiles in December 2024. With better precision and strike rates, the Houthis claimed at least 12 attacks on Israel since 11 December 2024. &nbsp;
Freedom of Navigation Crisis: War spills in the Red Sea &nbsp; In an ostensible effort to enforce a naval blockade on Israel, the Houthis pivoted their attention to maritime targets in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. &nbsp; Attacking vessels linked directly or indirectly to Israel and its allies with the same agility and showmanship, the Houthis delivered their first propaganda victory by hijacking a Bahamas-flagged vessel on 19 November 2023. Subsequently, between November 2023 and August 2024, the Houthis attempted 159 attacks in the southern Red Sea, 70 in the Gulf of Aden, 45 in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and 2 in the western Arabian Sea.
Rising attacks led the shipping companies to opt for longer routes, adding an extra cost of $1 million for fuel. The war risk insurance premium for ships rose to 2% in 2024, up from just 0.05% before the crisis began. As a result of this disruption, Egypt suffered economically, losing over 60%, or $7 billion, of the revenue generated from the Suez Canal in 2024. &nbsp; In response to these regional assaults, the US and its allies announced Operation Prosperity Guardian on 18 December 2023 and Operation Poseidon on 9 January 2024. In the latest salvo carried out on 30 and 31 December 2024, the US attacks struck a command node, and facilities used for manufacturing and storing ammunitions, and destroyed radar positions and one-way aerial drones.&nbsp; &nbsp; Houthi Ascendancy: Israel's Constraints and the Search for Solutions &nbsp; Predominantly viewed as a local threat by most international observers, Houthis locus standi changed after the Hamas-led 7 October attacks against Israel.&nbsp;
As a result of their attacks on commercial ships, 50 nations have been affected, crews from more than 20 countries have been threatened or taken hostage in acts of piracy, and 2,000 ships have been forced to divert their routes.&nbsp; &nbsp; In addition, the militia has successfully tilted the local balance of power in their favour. Today, Saudi Arabia and the UAE do not want to embroil themselves in yet another intractable conflict with the Houthis. Meanwhile, Egypt is focusing on preventing a humanitarian catastrophe, which might have repercussions for its already precarious economy. &nbsp; Among the "axis of resistance", the Houthis remain the only defiant force attacking Israel, with top Hamas leaders assassinated and a ceasefire observed with Hezbollah.&nbsp;
In an escalating statement, Israel announced that it will begin targeting Houthi leaders. However, killing leaders of this distant foe would be challenging for Israel. The lack of intelligence on Houthi leaders, reliance on allies to conduct counter-strikes against Houthi attacks, and the distance between the two countries, hinder the IDF's ability to operate swiftly. &nbsp; Israel needs indispensable international support to stop the barrage of airstrikes by the Houthis. A more assertive coalition to thwart Houthis&rsquo; ability to smuggle weapons and intelligence liaison from nations that have fought with Houthis previously are prerequisites to weakening Houthis. If Israel and its allies fail to address the Houthi threat, it will only grow. &nbsp;

To challenge Saudi Arabia, its regional nemesis, Iran has equipped Houthis with relatively cheap weapons capable of striking far beyond Yemen's borders. From 2015 to 2024, the US and its coalition partners intercepted at least 20 ships transporting Iranian missiles and advanced weapons to the Houthis. 

Emerging in the 1990s as a resistance movement against the corrupt Yemen government, the Houthis soon gained popularity as an armed political and religious group which champions Yemen's Shia Muslim minority, the Zaidis. Forcing the country’s internationally recognized government to flee to the southern city of Aden in 2014, the Houthis have established themselves as the de facto government of Yemen. Declaring to be a part of the Iranian-led "Axis of resistance" against Israel, the US, and the wider West, the Houthis have built their ideology targeting them, as evident in their slogan “Death to America, death to Israel, curse upon the Jews, victory to Islam”. Formerly known as the Ansar Allah (Partisans of God), little is known about their leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi. Sanctioned by both, the U.S. Treasury and the UN Security Council from 2015, al-Houthi was still able to create a defiant force that would challenge the world powers. Despite their affinity for Iran, the Houthis deny being puppets of Tehran. What brings Houthis close to Iran and its proxies is the common dissatisfaction with the status quo of West Asia, one which is largely influenced by the US and its partners, especially Israel and Saudi Arabia. Since Hamas' 7 October 2023 attack on Israel and Israel's retaliatory military offensive in Gaza, the Houthis have intensified their attacks on Israel, the Red Sea and the US instalments in the region. The Houthis have since intensified their manpower and arsenal. The number of Houthi fighters is estimated at 350,000 now, compared with 220,000 in 2022 and 30,000 in 2015. Within the Axis, the militia has coordinated with the Iraq-based Islamic Resistance in their attacks against Israel. Houthi Arsenal- A Growing Threat Defunct Yemeni military weapons purchased from the Soviet Union and North Korea played a critical role in the initial Houthi attacks. In recent years Houthis have bolstered their arsenal, and analysts credit this expansion to covert support from Iran, which has supplied weapons to all its proxies across West Asia. To challenge Saudi Arabia, its regional nemesis, Iran has equipped Houthis with relatively cheap weapons capable of striking far beyond Yemen's borders. From 2015 to 2024, the US and its coalition partners intercepted at least 20 ships transporting Iranian missiles and advanced weapons to the Houthis. The reach and sophistication of their weapons were exhibited in their first attack on Tel Aviv on 19 July 2024. Without being detected by the radars, the Yaffa drone manoeuvred its way from Yemen and approached Tel Aviv from the west to attack. The Houthis further amplified attacks using their newly unveiled Palestine-2 hypersonic ballistic missiles in December 2024. With better precision and strike rates, the Houthis claimed at least 12 attacks on Israel since 11 December 2024. Freedom of Navigation Crisis: War spills in the Red Sea In an ostensible effort to enforce a naval blockade on Israel, the Houthis pivoted their attention to maritime targets in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. Attacking vessels linked directly or indirectly to Israel and its allies with the same agility and showmanship, the Houthis delivered their first propaganda victory by hijacking a Bahamas-flagged vessel on 19 November 2023. Subsequently, between November 2023 and August 2024, the Houthis attempted 159 attacks in the southern Red Sea, 70 in the Gulf of Aden, 45 in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and 2 in the western Arabian Sea. Rising attacks led the shipping companies to opt for longer routes, adding an extra cost of $1 million for fuel. The war risk insurance premium for ships rose to 2% in 2024, up from just 0.05% before the crisis began. As a result of this disruption, Egypt suffered economically, losing over 60%, or $7 billion, of the revenue generated from the Suez Canal in 2024. In response to these regional assaults, the US and its allies announced Operation Prosperity Guardian on 18 December 2023 and Operation Poseidon on 9 January 2024. In the latest salvo carried out on 30 and 31 December 2024, the US attacks struck a command node, and facilities used for manufacturing and storing ammunitions, and destroyed radar positions and one-way aerial drones. Houthi Ascendancy: Israel's Constraints and the Search for Solutions Predominantly viewed as a local threat by most international observers, Houthis locus standi changed after the Hamas-led 7 October attacks against Israel. As a result of their attacks on commercial ships, 50 nations have been affected, crews from more than 20 countries have been threatened or taken hostage in acts of piracy, and 2,000 ships have been forced to divert their routes. In addition, the militia has successfully tilted the local balance of power in their favour. Today, Saudi Arabia and the UAE do not want to embroil themselves in yet another intractable conflict with the Houthis. Meanwhile, Egypt is focusing on preventing a humanitarian catastrophe, which might have repercussions for its already precarious economy. Among the "axis of resistance", the Houthis remain the only defiant force attacking Israel, with top Hamas leaders assassinated and a ceasefire observed with Hezbollah. In an escalating statement, Israel announced that it will begin targeting Houthi leaders. However, killing leaders of this distant foe would be challenging for Israel. The lack of intelligence on Houthi leaders, reliance on allies to conduct counter-strikes against Houthi attacks, and the distance between the two countries, hinder the IDF's ability to operate swiftly. Israel needs indispensable international support to stop the barrage of airstrikes by the Houthis. A more assertive coalition to thwart Houthis’ ability to smuggle weapons and intelligence liaison from nations that have fought with Houthis previously are prerequisites to weakening Houthis. If Israel and its allies fail to address the Houthi threat, it will only grow.

The Houthi Gamble: An unlikely force shaping West Asia

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/israel" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Israel</a>, for the first time, used the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-send-thaad-to-israel-what-you-should-know-about-this-powerful-missile-defence-system-767195">American Terminal High Altitude Area Defense</a> (THAAD) missile defence system to intercept a ballistic missile launched from Yemen on Friday (Dec 27), The Times of Israel reported.&nbsp;
The missile was fired by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, according to reports.
The US deployed the THAAD system in Israel in October. This marks the first time, Israel used the system to intercept a ballistic missile.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-terrorist-stronghold-israeli-forces-evacuate-kamal-adwan-hospital-in-northern-gaza-8571717" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Also read: Israeli forces evacuate Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza</a>
The footage of the system launch was circulated on social media, in which an American soldier was heard saying, "Eighteen years I've been waiting for this."&nbsp;
Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m587jbf7-bhov8gy0-bhhu4ko8">
מערכת ה- THAAD האמריקנית לקחה חלק ביירוט הטיל הבליסטי ששוגר אמש מתימן. אפשר לשמוע את אחד החיילים האמריקניים מתרגש "18 שנים חיכיתי לזה" <a href="https://t.co/s4VoMfMhaF">pic.twitter.com/s4VoMfMhaF</a>
&mdash; איתי בלומנטל 🇮🇱 Itay Blumental (@ItayBlumental) <a href="https://twitter.com/ItayBlumental/status/1872649121498296761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
The THAAD, or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System was used to try to intercept the missile and an analysis would determine THAAD's success, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters, reported The Times of Israel.&nbsp;
However, Israel did not claim whether they used an Israeli or an American system.&nbsp;
The IDF said the Houthi missile was intercepted by air defenses, without specifying if this was an Israeli or American system.
<h2 class="left">What is the THAAD System?</h2>
Following Iran's October 1 ballistic missile attack, the US deployed a THAAD battery in Israel. The system is capable of intercepting missiles both inside and outside of the Earth's atmosphere.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-houthis-uncover-mossad-cia-spy-network-as-israel-shifts-focus-to-yemen-8566732" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Also read: Houthis &lsquo;uncover&rsquo; Mossad, CIA spy network as Israel shifts focus to Yemen</a>
THAAD relies on kinetic energy to neutralise threats and destroy incoming missiles through impact rather than an explosive warhead.
Further, a standard THAAD battery includes six truck-mounted launchers and each of them is capable of holding up to eight interceptors, along with a radar and a fire control system.&nbsp;
The system can detect threats from a range of 870 to 3,000 kilometres.&nbsp;
In the past eight days, this is the fifth such attack by the Iran-backed Houthi group on Israel.
&nbsp;Houthis had earlier claimed to have targeted Ben Gurion Airport after which Israel retaliated and launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, including the Hezyaz power plant and infrastructure at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-chief-tedros-narrowly-escaped-israeli-attack-on-yemen-airport-8573279">Sanaa International Airport</a>.
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: THAAD, or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System was used to try to intercept the missile and an analysis would determine THAAD's success.

Israel, for the first time, used the American Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defence system to intercept a ballistic missile launched from Yemen on Friday (Dec 27), The Times of Israel reported. The missile was fired by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, according to reports. The US deployed the THAAD system in Israel in October. This marks the first time, Israel used the system to intercept a ballistic missile. Also read: Israeli forces evacuate Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza The footage of the system launch was circulated on social media, in which an American soldier was heard saying, "Eighteen years I've been waiting for this." Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. מערכת ה- THAAD האמריקנית לקחה חלק ביירוט הטיל הבליסטי ששוגר אמש מתימן. אפשר לשמוע את אחד החיילים האמריקניים מתרגש "18 שנים חיכיתי לזה" pic.twitter.com/s4VoMfMhaF — איתי בלומנטל 🇮🇱 Itay Blumental (@ItayBlumental) December 27, 2024 The THAAD, or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System was used to try to intercept the missile and an analysis would determine THAAD's success, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters, reported The Times of Israel. However, Israel did not claim whether they used an Israeli or an American system. The IDF said the Houthi missile was intercepted by air defenses, without specifying if this was an Israeli or American system. What is the THAAD System? Following Iran's October 1 ballistic missile attack, the US deployed a THAAD battery in Israel. The system is capable of intercepting missiles both inside and outside of the Earth's atmosphere. Also read: Houthis ‘uncover’ Mossad, CIA spy network as Israel shifts focus to Yemen THAAD relies on kinetic energy to neutralise threats and destroy incoming missiles through impact rather than an explosive warhead. Further, a standard THAAD battery includes six truck-mounted launchers and each of them is capable of holding up to eight interceptors, along with a radar and a fire control system. The system can detect threats from a range of 870 to 3,000 kilometres. In the past eight days, this is the fifth such attack by the Iran-backed Houthi group on Israel. Houthis had earlier claimed to have targeted Ben Gurion Airport after which Israel retaliated and launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, including the Hezyaz power plant and infrastructure at Sanaa International Airport. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Israel uses US THAAD system for first time to intercept Houthi missile. What is it?

The Israeli military on Thursday (Dec 26) launched strikes at multiple locations in Yemen including the Sanaa International Airport. According to a report by the news agency AFP, three people were killed in the strikes.
The strikes targeting the airport, military facilities and power stations in rebel areas follow rising hostilities between Israel and the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels, part of Iran's "axis of resistance" alliance against Israel.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-houthis-uncover-mossad-cia-spy-network-as-israel-shifts-focus-to-yemen-8566732" rel="dofollow">Houthis &lsquo;uncover&rsquo; Mossad, CIA spy network as Israel shifts focus to Yemen</a>
The other targets included facilities at Hodeida, Salif and Ras Kanatib ports. In a statement, the Israeli military said that these locations were being used by the Houthi rebels to smuggle&nbsp;Iranian weapons into the region and for the entry of senior Iranian officials.&nbsp;
<h2>WHO chief was at Sanaa airport during strike</h2>
World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that he was at the Sanaa International Airport when it was hit by the Israeli strike.
Tedros said that "one of our plane's crew members was injured." The WHO chief was in Yemen to seek the release of detained UN staff and assess the humanitarian situation in the war-torn country.
Tedros said that his team were about to board their flight when the airport came under aerial bombardment.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, in a statement, Houthi rebels said that two people were killed and 11 others were injured during the strike at the airport.
<h2>'Israeli strikes would continue until job is done'</h2>
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel's strikes would continue until the job was done.
"We are determined to cut this branch of terrorism from the Iranian axis of evil," Prime Minister Netanyahu said in a video statement.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vows-to-target-houthi-leaders-says-will-act-against-them-to-remove-threat-786542" rel="dofollow">Israel vows to target Houthi leaders, says 'will act against them to remove threat'</a>
Since the war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023, Houthis have &nbsp;fired drones and missiles towards Israel in what they describe as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
More than a year of&nbsp;Houthi&nbsp;attacks have disrupted international shipping routes, forcing firms to re-route to longer and more expensive journeys that have in turn stoked fears over global inflation.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Israeli media has reported that the IDF has carried out against Houthis in response to the rebels' recent ballistic missile and drone attacks on Israel. 

The Israeli military on Thursday (Dec 26) launched strikes at multiple locations in Yemen including the Sanaa International Airport. According to a report by the news agency AFP, three people were killed in the strikes. The strikes targeting the airport, military facilities and power stations in rebel areas follow rising hostilities between Israel and the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels, part of Iran's "axis of resistance" alliance against Israel. Also read | Houthis ‘uncover’ Mossad, CIA spy network as Israel shifts focus to Yemen The other targets included facilities at Hodeida, Salif and Ras Kanatib ports. In a statement, the Israeli military said that these locations were being used by the Houthi rebels to smuggle Iranian weapons into the region and for the entry of senior Iranian officials. WHO chief was at Sanaa airport during strike World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that he was at the Sanaa International Airport when it was hit by the Israeli strike. Tedros said that "one of our plane's crew members was injured." The WHO chief was in Yemen to seek the release of detained UN staff and assess the humanitarian situation in the war-torn country. Tedros said that his team were about to board their flight when the airport came under aerial bombardment. Meanwhile, in a statement, Houthi rebels said that two people were killed and 11 others were injured during the strike at the airport. 'Israeli strikes would continue until job is done' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel's strikes would continue until the job was done. "We are determined to cut this branch of terrorism from the Iranian axis of evil," Prime Minister Netanyahu said in a video statement. Also read | Israel vows to target Houthi leaders, says 'will act against them to remove threat' Since the war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023, Houthis have fired drones and missiles towards Israel in what they describe as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. More than a year of Houthi attacks have disrupted international shipping routes, forcing firms to re-route to longer and more expensive journeys that have in turn stoked fears over global inflation. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: Israel launches multiple strikes in Yemen, three killed

Washington, USA 
<meta charset="utf-8"/>Two US Navy pilots were shot down on Sunday (Dec 22) in a "friendly fire" incident over the Red Sea, according to the US military. Both the pilots ejected and survived, with one sustaining minor injuries. In this apparent incident, US forces targeted Yemen's Houthi rebels, who have been the biggest danger to American troops in the region for over a year.
The US Central Command issued a statement confirming a "friendly fire" incident over the Red Sea.
"The guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, which is part of the USS Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group, mistakenly fired on and hit the F/A-18, which was flying off the USS Harry S Truman," it said.
<h2 dir="ltr">Accidental fire </h2>
The pilots were flying a two-seat F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier. The USS Gettysburg, which is a guided missile cruiser, fortuitously fired the missile that brought the jet down.
“It’s unclear how such an error occurred,” the U.S. military’s Central Command stated. Generally in a strike group, vessels and aircraft communicate via radar and radio to refrain from mistakes like these.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-indian-navys-fighter-jet-mig-29k-crashes-in-goa-due-to-an-unknown-technical-malfunction-524742">Indian Navy's fighter jet MiG 29K crashes in Goa due to an unknown 'technical malfunction' </a>
<h2 dir="ltr">Red Sea tensions reach breaking point.</h2>
The Red Sea has become a hive of violence escalation, with the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels baiting the merchant and military vessels. The US forces were responding to missile and drone attacks launched by the Houthis before the shootdown happened.
The US airstrikes hit Houthi sites in Yemen on Saturday night, including a missile storage facility and a command and control centre.
Later, the Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for bringing down the US jet.
The Houthi attacks have sunk two ships, killed four sailors, and damaged others.
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<h2 dir="ltr">Increasing Houthi aggression</h2>
Since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, the Houthis have launched over 100 attacks on ships, stating that they target vessels linked to Israel, the US, and the UK. Although many of these ships have no direct ties to the conflict.
Despite US and European military patrols in the Red Sea, the region remains erratic.
The incident highlights the risk factor of operating in such tense conditions. Central Command noted that Houthi missile and drone fire often leaves sailors with only seconds to react, leading to risks of errors like this.
(With inputs from agencies)

The pilots were flying a two-seat F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier. The USS Gettysburg, which is a guided missile cruiser, fortuitously fired the missile that brought the jet down.



Washington, USA Two US Navy pilots were shot down on Sunday (Dec 22) in a "friendly fire" incident over the Red Sea, according to the US military. Both the pilots ejected and survived, with one sustaining minor injuries. In this apparent incident, US forces targeted Yemen's Houthi rebels, who have been the biggest danger to American troops in the region for over a year. The US Central Command issued a statement confirming a "friendly fire" incident over the Red Sea. "The guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, which is part of the USS Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group, mistakenly fired on and hit the F/A-18, which was flying off the USS Harry S Truman," it said. Accidental fire The pilots were flying a two-seat F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier. The USS Gettysburg, which is a guided missile cruiser, fortuitously fired the missile that brought the jet down. “It’s unclear how such an error occurred,” the U.S. military’s Central Command stated. Generally in a strike group, vessels and aircraft communicate via radar and radio to refrain from mistakes like these. Also Read: Indian Navy's fighter jet MiG 29K crashes in Goa due to an unknown 'technical malfunction' Red Sea tensions reach breaking point. The Red Sea has become a hive of violence escalation, with the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels baiting the merchant and military vessels. The US forces were responding to missile and drone attacks launched by the Houthis before the shootdown happened. The US airstrikes hit Houthi sites in Yemen on Saturday night, including a missile storage facility and a command and control centre. Later, the Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for bringing down the US jet. The Houthi attacks have sunk two ships, killed four sailors, and damaged others. Watch | Nepal Plane Crash: 18 killed in Kathmandu's plane crash, pilot survives Increasing Houthi aggression Since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, the Houthis have launched over 100 attacks on ships, stating that they target vessels linked to Israel, the US, and the UK. Although many of these ships have no direct ties to the conflict. Despite US and European military patrols in the Red Sea, the region remains erratic. The incident highlights the risk factor of operating in such tense conditions. Central Command noted that Houthi missile and drone fire often leaves sailors with only seconds to react, leading to risks of errors like this. (With inputs from agencies)

Two US Navy pilots shot down in 'friendly fire' incident over Red Sea

Yemen's Houthi rebels have launched a second strike on Tel Aviv within two days, escalating tensions in the region.

Yemen's Houthis Strike Tel Aviv For A Second Time In A Span Of Two Days

Yemen's Houthi rebels have launched a second strike on Tel Aviv within two days, escalating tensions in the region.



The United States has carried out airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen's capital, escalating tensions in the region.

US Strikes Houthi Targets in Yemen's Capital

Two US Navy pilots were shot down on Sunday (Dec 22) in a "friendly fire" incident over the Red Sea, according to the US military. Both the pilots ejected and survived, with one sustaining minor injuries.

Two US Navy pilots were shot down on Sunday (Dec 22) in a "friendly fire" incident over the Red Sea, according to the US military. Both the pilots ejected and survived, with one sustaining minor injuries. In this apparent incident, US forces targeted Yemen's Houthi rebels, who have been the biggest danger to American troops in the region for over a year. The US Central Command issued a statement confirming a "friendly fire" incident over the Red Sea. "The guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, which is part of the USS Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group, mistakenly fired on and hit the F/A-18, which was flying off the USS Harry S Truman," it said. Accidental fire The pilots were flying a two-seat F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier. The USS Gettysburg, which is a guided missile cruiser, fortuitously fired the missile that brought the jet down. “It’s unclear how such an error occurred,” the U.S. military’s Central Command stated. Generally in a strike group, vessels and aircraft communicate via radar and radio to refrain from mistakes like these. Also Read: Indian Navy's fighter jet MiG 29K crashes in Goa due to an unknown 'technical malfunction' Red Sea tensions reach breaking point. The Red Sea has become a hive of violence escalation, with the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels baiting the merchant and military vessels. The US forces were responding to missile and drone attacks launched by the Houthis before the shootdown happened. The US airstrikes hit Houthi sites in Yemen on Saturday night, including a missile storage facility and a command and control centre. Later, the Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for bringing down the US jet. The Houthi attacks have sunk two ships, killed four sailors, and damaged others. Watch | Nepal Plane Crash: 18 killed in Kathmandu's plane crash, pilot survives Increasing Houthi aggression Since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, the Houthis have launched over 100 attacks on ships, stating that they target vessels linked to Israel, the US, and the UK. Although many of these ships have no direct ties to the conflict. Despite US and European military patrols in the Red Sea, the region remains erratic. The incident highlights the risk factor of operating in such tense conditions. Central Command noted that Houthi missile and drone fire often leaves sailors with only seconds to react, leading to risks of errors like this. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel’s military said a missile launched from Yemen has hit the Tel Aviv area after air defence systems were unable to intercept the incoming projectile.

Medics in Gaza said Israeli air attacks killed at least 25 Palestinians on Friday after Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 77 people killed in Israeli attacks across the enclave over the previous 24 hours.



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Yemen's Houthis Launch Ballistic Missile On Israel's Tel Aviv |

Israel’s military said a missile launched from Yemen has hit the Tel Aviv area after air defence systems were unable to intercept the incoming projectile.

Medics in Gaza said Israeli air attacks killed at least 25 Palestinians on Friday after Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 77 people killed in Israeli attacks across the enclave over the previous 24 hours.

Houthis Target Tel Aviv With Ballistic Missile 'Type Palestine 2'

Israel’s military said a missile launched from Yemen has hit the Tel Aviv area after air defence systems were unable to intercept the incoming projectile. Medics in Gaza said Israeli air attacks killed at least 25 Palestinians on Friday after Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 77 people killed in Israeli attacks across the enclave over the previous 24 hours.

BREAKING: Houthis Launch Missile Attack On Tel Aviv, 16 Injured

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