Trump ends U.S. bombing of Houthis amid ceasefire claims

President Donald Trump announced that the United States will immediately halt airstrikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, stating that the group has conveyed they no longer wish to fight and will stop attacking ships in the Red Sea. Trump emphasized that the U.S. will take the Houthis at their word and cease bombing, citing the group's alleged assurance that they will not target ships anymore. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the U.S. campaign as a 'freedom of navigation issue' aimed at protecting global shipping, and said the strikes would stop if the threat ends. The Houthis had previously targeted vessels in the Red Sea, disrupting international shipping and prompting an intensified U.S. bombing campaign. However, the Houthis have recently maintained in public statements that their operations are ongoing and tied to support for Palestinians in Gaza. The U.S. decision marks a significant policy shift, with officials framing it as contingent on the Houthis maintaining their commitment to cease attacks.