A short while ago, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a major military offensive against the Houthis in Yemen, marking the most significant action of his second term.

The operation, characterized as "decisive and powerful," was the culmination of meticulous planning involving high-level White House meetings and coordination with top national security officials. Trump’s approval of the plan on Friday set the stage for strikes launched Saturday, targeting Houthi missiles, radars, drones, and air defense systems.

The planning process unfolded over several days, driven by a series of urgent discussions at the White House. Key figures included Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, national security adviser Mike Waltz, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command. These meetings focused on countering the Houthis’ escalating campaign of piracy and attacks on American and allied ships, aircraft, and drones in the region. Trump, posting on Truth Social, emphasized the need for "overwhelming lethal force" to achieve U.S. objectives.

The operation leveraged a robust military presence, with fighter jets from the USS Harry S. Truman in the northern Red Sea, alongside Air Force planes and drones from regional bases. A U.S. official described the strikes as an "opening salvo," signaling a broader message to Iran, the Houthis’ primary backer. Sources indicate the campaign could escalate based on Houthi responses, with planners stressing its multi-phase nature. This strategic approach reflects Trump’s intent to project strength and decisively reshape U.S. policy in the Middle East.