US Stops Bombing Yemen: Live News on Houthi Ceasefire
The Houthi group's agreement to end their campaign of strikes against American commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea marks a significant shift in the conflict, with the US halting its bombing campaign in response. The deal brokered by Oman ensures freedom of navigation and the smooth flow of international commercial shipping in the region.
The US has announced a halt to its bombing campaign in Yemen after the Houthi group agreed to a ceasefire, brokered by Oman, in a move that comes as US and Iran nuclear talks are advancing.
The US had been conducting daily bombing campaigns against the Iran-aligned group since March, resulting in the deaths of dozens of civilians and destruction of infrastructure. The agreement only applies to Houthi operations in Yemen's coastal areas and does not affect the conflict between Israel and the Houthis. The Houthis have been targeting Israeli shipping and cities in response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The US military operation against the Houthis has resulted in over 1,000 targets hit since mid-March, with hundreds of Houthi fighters and leaders killed, including drone experts. The operation has cost nearly $1 billion, with the Houthis downing several drones worth millions of dollars each. A US F/A-18E Super Hornet was also lost, with one sailor injured.
Experts say the truce was costly, but Tehran's strategy of using the Houthis as a low-cost, high-return option has been proven effective. The agreement includes a ceasefire, ensuring freedom of navigation and the smooth flow of international commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The ceasefire comes as a significant development in the region, with the US and Iran engaging in nuclear talks and a framework for lifting sanctions in exchange for nuclear restrictions. The US has only had one public briefing on the campaign, and President Trump has announced that the US will "take their word" on the agreement.