By Abdullahi Inuwa
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have flatly rejected claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that the group plans to halt attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea,¹q calling the statement “inaccurate and misleading.”
In a fiery response issued Monday, a senior Houthi spokesperson said the group’s operations will persist “as long as aggression against Gaza continues,” emphasizing their support for Palestinians and warning foreign vessels to steer clear of Israeli-linked routes.
“The resistance in the Red Sea is a strategic choice, not a bargaining chip,” the Houthis declared, dismissing Trump’s remarks as “out of touch with the reality on the ground.”
The statement follows heightened tensions in the region, where Houthi naval raids and drone strikes have disrupted global shipping lanes, drawing international condemnation and retaliatory strikes from U.S. and allied forces.
Trump, during a weekend campaign event, suggested the group was backing down, citing unnamed sources. However, Monday’s rebuttal signals a prolonged maritime standoff, raising fears of broader regional escalation.
About The Author
