Donald Trump said the US would stop attacking the Houthis in Yemen because the group had "capitulated", as Oman confirmed a "ceasefire" had been reached with the Iran-backed group for it to stop targeting shipping in the Red Sea. "[The Houthis] just don't want to fight, and we will honour that and we will stop the bombings, and they have capitulated," he said, speaking alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the White House. Shortly afterwards the Omani foreign minister posted that the deal meant neither side would target the other, "ensuring freedom of navigation and the smooth flow of international commercial shipping". The Houthis have yet to comment. The US stepped up air strikes on the Houthis in March and the US military says it has struck 1,000 targets in Yemen since then. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said the Houthis would "not be blowing up ships anymore". "The Houthis have announced that they are not, or they announced to us at least, that they don't want to fight anymore... but, more importantly, we will take their word. "They say they will not be blowing up ships anymore and that's what the purpose of what we were doing... so that's just news we just found out about that." Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi said his country had mediated efforts to achieve de-escalation. "In the future, neither side will target the other, including American vessels, in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, ensuring freedom of navigation and the smooth flow of international commercial shipping" he said. The Houthis began attacking shipping passing through the Red Sea in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza, who have been under bombardment by the Israeli military since the Palestinian armed group Hamas attacked Israeli communities in October 2023. They have launched dozens of missile and drone attacks on commercial ships, sinking two vessels, seizing a third and killing four crew members. The attacks forced even major shipping companies to stop using the Red Sea - through which almost 15% of global seaborne trade usually passes - and to take a much longer route around southern Africa instead. US-led naval forces thwarted many Houthi attacks on shipping and former US president Joe Biden began US air strikes against the Houthis, which have intensified under Trump. Last month, the Houthis said at least68 African migrants were killed in a US air strikeon a detention centre in north-western Yemen. The Houthis have continued firing missiles towards Israel, with one missile landing near Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv on Sunday. On Tuesday Israel responded with a large-scale attack onYemen's main international airportin the capital Sanaa, which left it "completely destroyed" according to an airport official quoted by AFP. Other Israeli strikes hit power facilities and a cement factory. On Monday Israel bombed port facilities in Hudaydah and another cement factory in the city.
Trump says US to stop attacking Houthis in Yemen as group has 'capitulated'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Trump Announces End to US Military Attacks on Houthis as Ceasefire is Reached"
Bbc News
6.7
TruthLens AI Summary
President Donald Trump announced that the United States would cease its military attacks on the Houthi group in Yemen, citing their recent 'capitulation' as the reason for this decision. This statement came alongside confirmation from Oman that a ceasefire had been established, which would prevent the Houthis from targeting shipping in the critical Red Sea region. Speaking at the White House with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump emphasized that the Houthis expressed their desire to stop fighting and that the U.S. would respect this claim. He stated, 'They say they will not be blowing up ships anymore and that's what the purpose of what we were doing,' indicating that the cessation of hostilities aligns with U.S. objectives of ensuring safe navigation for international shipping. The Omani foreign minister also confirmed that the agreement allows for neither side to target the other, which is crucial for maintaining the flow of commercial shipping in the area.
The U.S. military had intensified airstrikes against the Houthis since March, with reports indicating around 1,000 strikes on various targets in Yemen. The Houthis had escalated their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea as a show of solidarity with Palestinians amid ongoing conflicts, resulting in significant disruptions to maritime trade routes, which usually account for a substantial portion of global seaborne trade. The situation prompted major shipping companies to reroute their vessels around Africa, avoiding the Red Sea altogether. Despite the announcement of a ceasefire, the Houthis have continued their missile strikes towards Israel, provoking further military responses, including Israeli attacks on Yemeni infrastructure. These developments reflect the complex interplay of regional conflicts and international shipping security, underscoring the importance of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the area.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article reports on Donald Trump's announcement that the United States will cease attacks on the Houthi movement in Yemen, claiming that the group has "capitulated." This statement coincides with the confirmation of a ceasefire mediated by Oman, aimed at ensuring the safety of maritime navigation in the Red Sea. The cessation of hostilities comes after a period of intensified US airstrikes against the Houthis, which had increased since March of the same year. The announcement raises several implications regarding international relations, regional security, and domestic politics.
Impacts on International Relations
Trump's declaration suggests a shift in US foreign policy regarding the Houthis, who have been supported by Iran. By stating that the Houthis have capitulated, Trump may be signaling a desire to reduce US involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts, particularly as the region faces escalating tensions with Iran. The involvement of Oman as a mediator indicates an attempt to foster diplomacy rather than military engagement, which could be interpreted positively in international circles.
Public Perception and Domestic Reactions
The framing of the Houthis as having "capitulated" may influence public perception by portraying the administration as effective in negotiating peace. This narrative could serve to bolster Trump's image ahead of upcoming elections, suggesting that he can achieve foreign policy successes. However, the lack of a response from the Houthis raises questions about the actual effectiveness of the ceasefire and whether it will hold.
Potential Concealment of Broader Issues
While the announcement highlights a diplomatic breakthrough, it may also distract from ongoing humanitarian crises in Yemen, where millions are suffering from famine and conflict. By focusing on military cessation, there may be an attempt to downplay the dire conditions faced by civilians and the broader implications of US support for Saudi-led interventions in Yemen.
Manipulative Elements and Trustworthiness
The language used in the announcement could be seen as manipulative, especially in framing the Houthis' willingness to cease attacks as a capitulation rather than a negotiated compromise. This could foster a narrative that simplifies a complex situation into a binary of victor and vanquished. The overall reliability of the news depends on the credibility of the sources involved, particularly the claims made by the Trump administration and the mediation efforts by Oman.
Implications for Markets and Economic Impact
The news about the ceasefire could have significant implications for global shipping and markets. With the Houthis previously targeting commercial vessels, a cessation of hostilities may restore confidence among shipping companies, potentially stabilizing market fluctuations caused by previous attacks. Companies involved in maritime trade may see a positive impact on their stock prices as risks diminish in the Red Sea.
Community Support and Target Audience
The announcement may resonate with communities that prioritize peace and diplomatic solutions over military intervention. Moreover, it could appeal to segments of the electorate that are weary of prolonged involvement in foreign conflicts, aligning with a broader trend of seeking to reduce military engagements abroad.
The article presents a complex scenario with multifaceted implications. The trustworthiness of the claims made requires careful evaluation of ongoing developments in Yemen and the responses from the Houthi leadership. The framing of the narrative and its potential manipulative aspects suggest that while there may be some truth to the cessation of attacks, the broader context remains critical for understanding the situation.