Trump Announces Ceasefire with Houthis in Yemen
In a surprising development, President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday that the United States will halt its airstrikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. This announcement coincides with claims from the Houthis indicating their willingness to cease attacks on U.S. ships operating in the Red Sea.
Details of the Announcement
During an Oval Office meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump stated, “They’ve announced to us at least that they don’t want to fight anymore.” He emphasized that the U.S. would take the Houthis at their word regarding their pledge to refrain from attacking American vessels.
The statement was affirmed by the Omani Foreign Ministry, which confirmed ongoing discussions aimed at achieving de-escalation between the U.S. and the Houthis. The ministry noted that a ceasefire agreement had been established, ensuring that both parties would refrain from targeting each other, thus safeguarding freedom of navigation in the vital Red Sea region.
Reactions and Statements
Despite the official affirmation of the ceasefire, Mohammed Ali al Houthi, a leader within the Houthi political council, expressed cautious skepticism. He indicated that any agreements would need to be evaluated on the ground first, stating, “We will evaluate the U.S. ceasefire proposal on the ground first.”
When asked about the source of information regarding the Houthi’s intentions, Trump responded vaguely, stating it came from a “very, very good source.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the importance of the mission by referring to it as a “freedom of navigation mission,” aiming to ensure no threats to global shipping arose from the Houthis.
Military Context
The U.S. military’s engagement in Yemen has been intense, with over 800 airstrikes conducted since operations began on March 15. However, the increase in military actions has also seen significant losses, with the U.S. losing seven Reaper drones and an F/A-18E fighter jet that sank in the Red Sea following an incident potentially linked to Houthi fire.
Broader Implications
This ceasefire announcement comes amid a backdrop of increasing Houthi threats directed toward Israeli interests following the escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The Houthis have claimed to support the Palestinian people by attacking vessels associated with Israel’s allies, a situation which has raised tensions in the region.
As the U.S. re-evaluates its foreign policy and military strategies in the Middle East, the potential impacts of this ceasefire on future relations and conflict dynamics remain to be seen. Trump’s administration faces scrutiny over its strategic planning, particularly following revelations of internal communications regarding attack plans.
In conclusion, while the ceasefire represents a step toward reducing military hostilities in the Red Sea, ongoing diplomatic negotiations and evaluations will be crucial to maintaining stability in the region.
Contributions to this report were made by ABC News’ Ahmed Baider.