President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the United States will cease its bombing campaigns against Houthi rebels in Yemen, effective immediately. The declaration came during a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House, where Trump stated the Houthi group had “capitulated” and agreed to stop targeting commercial and naval vessels in the critical shipping lanes of the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
According to President Trump, the decision to end the military operations was a direct response to the Houthis signaling their intent to halt attacks that have severely disrupted global shipping since late 2023.
These attacks have impacted transit through the Suez Canal, leading to significant economic damage and forcing many vessels to reroute around Africa.
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“The Houthis have announced that they don’t want to fight anymore,” President Trump said. “They just don’t want to fight. And we will honor that, and we will – we will stop the bombings, and they have capitulated, but more importantly, we will take their word. They say they will not be blowing up ships anymore.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also present at the press conference, echoed the administration’s focus on maritime security. “This was always a freedom of navigation issue,” Secretary Rubio stated. “The job was to get that to stop, and if it’s going to stop, then we can stop.”
The U.S. has been conducting bombing operations against Houthi targets for nearly two months in an effort to degrade the rebels’ ability to launch attacks on international shipping.
RELATED: U.S. CENTCOM Intensifies Campaign Against Houthis In Yemen, Hundreds Eliminated
While President Trump stated the Houthis had communicated their agreement to cease hostilities against ships, there was no immediate public confirmation from Houthi officials regarding a “capitulation” or a formal agreement at the time of the announcement. Earlier in the day, some reports cited Houthi statements suggesting their operations would continue.
The Houthi attacks on shipping began in late 2023, with the group claiming solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The targeting of commercial vessels and U.S. naval ships had significantly escalated tensions in the Middle East and raised concerns about the broader stability of the region.
The announcement of the cessation of U.S. bombing coincides with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit, though the primary focus of their joint appearance was largely centered on trade discussions between the two nations.
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