Yemen Monitor/ Washington/ Exclusive:
A prominent member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee vowed on Saturday a “crushing” military response against the Houthi group should it attempt to threaten international navigation or interfere in the ongoing regional conflict.
On Saturday, the Houthis announced the launch of two operations targeting the Israeli occupation, marking their first attack since the outbreak of the American-Israeli war with Iran. This signals further escalation in the month-long conflict engulfing the region. The Houthis have vowed to continue their attacks.
Republican Representative Derrick Van Orden asserted in an interview with Fox News, monitored by Yemen Monitor, that the Houthi group must not possess the capability to influence the global economy or control vital waterways.
“They were bombed into submission previously, and if they attempt to escalate again, they will be bombed until they fully comply,” he stated, emphasizing that the U.S. Armed Forces maintain full readiness to deter any threat in the Red Sea.
Interpreting the U.S. administration’s political stance, the Congressman explained that President Donald Trump is not seeking to ignite new wars, but is instead focusing efforts on “bringing an end” to the conflict initiated by the Iranian regime against the United States nearly 47 years ago. He noted that the current strategy has succeeded in significantly weakening the Tehran regime’s capabilities and undermining its influence.
In March 2025, President Donald Trump launched an offensive against the group after it targeted maritime navigation and U.S. forces in the Red Sea. That campaign saw U.S. warships and aircraft strike sites across Yemen to degrade Houthi military capabilities and send a warning to Tehran. The two-month operation concluded with an Oman-mediated ceasefire, at which time Trump stated the Houthis had “submitted” and pledged to halt their attacks on ships.
On Friday, the group warned that “Houthi fingers are on the trigger for direct military intervention,” stating they would act if attacks against Iran escalate, if “any other alliances join with America and Israel,” or if the Red Sea is used to conduct “hostile operations” against any Muslim country. This comes as the United States mobilizes more forces to the region amid expectations of a ground offensive against Iran.
