Rubio Rules Out Yemen Ground Raids After Airstrikes

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has dismissed speculation of U.S. ground raids in Yemen stating there is no necessity for such action following recent airstrikes on Houthi targets. Speaking on CBS he emphasized the strikes aim to cripple the Iran-backed group’s ability to threaten global shipping. The comments come after President Trump ordered attacks that killed multiple Houthi leaders this weekend.

Rubio described the airstrikes as a favor to the world by safeguarding vital Red Sea trade routes. He stressed the U.S. will continue targeting Houthi missile and drone capabilities until the threat ends. Ground operations he said are not under discussion at this time.

The Houthis have ramped up attacks on U.S. Navy and commercial vessels since late 2023 disrupting billions in trade. Saturday’s strikes hit leadership and weapons sites in a show of force from the Trump administration. Rubio warned Iran their chief sponsor could face consequences if support persists.

National Security Adviser Mike Waltz recently suggested Iranian assets in Yemen like ships and trainers could be targeted next. Rubio did not echo that threat focusing instead on the Houthis’ immediate capabilities. He framed the strikes as a measured response to protect American interests.

Yemen’s decade-long civil war has left the Houthis controlling key territory despite Saudi-led efforts to oust them. The U.S. has avoided deep involvement preferring airstrikes over boots on the ground. Rubio’s stance aligns with this strategy amid calls from some for tougher action.

Critics argue airstrikes alone won’t stop the Houthis pointing to their resilience against years of bombardment. They fear escalation could draw the U.S. into another Middle East quagmire. Rubio countered that the mission is narrow and tied to shipping security not regime change.

Shipping companies have rerouted vessels at huge cost as Houthi attacks persist. Rubio vowed the U.S. will not let the group hold global trade hostage. The strikes signal Trump’s readiness to flex military muscle early in his term.

Regional allies like Saudi Arabia have welcomed the U.S. action though Iran condemned it as aggression. Rubio’s rejection of ground raids may ease fears of a wider conflict. The situation remains fluid with Tehran’s next move a key factor.