Trump confirms cessation of hostilities following intensified airstrikes in Yemen and Israel
In a significant development in the Middle East, President
Donald Trump has announced that the Houthi movement in Yemen has surrendered to the United States and has agreed to cease attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.
This announcement was made during a briefing at the White House, where Trump indicated that, in return, the United States would immediately halt its airstrikes against the Houthi militia.
He stated that the Houthis expressed their reluctance to continue fighting, saying, 'They begged us not to bombard them anymore, and we will not attack your ships.'
In Muscat, an Omani foreign ministry spokesperson reported that an agreement for a ceasefire had been reached following discussions and communications with both the U.S. and the Houthis, aimed at de-escalating tensions.
The agreement stipulates that neither party will target the other, including U.S. ships in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb strait, thereby ensuring freedom of navigation and the smooth flow of international trade.
Oman expressed hope that this development would lead to progress on various regional issues, striving for justice, peace, and prosperity for all.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes have severely damaged Sanaa International Airport, following a missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv.
Initial reports indicate that the airstrikes resulted in at least 38 casualties and injuries.
Israeli officials had earlier advised residents to evacuate the area surrounding Sanaa Airport before the strike, which led to the airport being rendered inoperable.
Witnesses reported four distinct strikes in the city.
Military spokesperson Avichai Adraee stressed the urgency of evacuation, stating, 'Failure to evacuate the area puts your lives in danger.' According to the Israel Defense Forces, Israeli fighter jets targeted the Houthi's terror infrastructure within the main airport, completely disabling its operations.
The strikes were described as retaliation for the Houthi missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport, which had compelled several European and American airlines to cancel flights to Tel Aviv.
Damage assessments indicated that multiple facilities at the airport were hit, including three civilian aircraft, passenger terminals, the runway, and a military airbase under Houthi control.
The Yemeni Airlines confirmed that three of its aircraft were destroyed as per initial evaluation.