Why it matters:
Trump’s post has reignited criticism over the U.S. military's accountability in overseas operations. Misidentifying civilian events as militant gatherings could violate international law and intensify anti-American sentiment in the region.
The big picture:
The incident comes as U.S. military operations ramp up across Yemen, with over 200 airstrikes since mid-March.
The stated goal was to weaken Yemeni military support for Gaza. But the growing civilian toll, most recently 70 killed in Hodeida, has triggered mounting global concern over potential war crimes and humanitarian fallout.
Yemeni military in a post on X replied to Trump's claims:
"It was a tribal gathering that had nothing to do with your ships. You failed to achieve any military target, so you bombed civilians instead."
What he’s saying:
Trump shared drone-like footage on social media with the caption:
“These Houthis gathered for instructions on an attack. Oops, there will be no attack by these Houthis! They will never sink our ships again!”
However, social media users and local sources dispute the claim, saying the video shows a peaceful Eid al-Fitr tribal gathering, not a militant meeting.
Key points:
- The U.S. has launched over 200 strikes in Yemen since March, with recent airstrikes killing scores of civilians.
- The Pentagon has increased military assets in the region, including the USS Harry S. Truman and the USS Carl Vinson carrier groups.
- Rights groups are calling for an investigation into potential violations of international law.
Go deeper:
Humanitarian groups warn of a worsening crisis. Civilian infrastructure has been damaged, medical supplies are dwindling, and aid groups face limited access. As military operations continue under the pretext of deterrence, the human cost may reshape U.S. credibility on the global stage.
Hossein Vaez
