Trump announces halt to US bombing of Houthis after ceasefire agreement mediated by Oman, amid ongoing tensions with Israel.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on May 6th that the United States will cease military strikes against the Iran-aligned Houthi group in Yemen.

This decision followed an agreement where the Houthis pledged to stop disrupting crucial shipping lanes in the Middle East.

Oman facilitated a ceasefire between the Houthis and the U.S., signifying a notable policy change for the group amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The agreement states that neither party will target the other, including U.S. vessels in key maritime routes.

Trump remarked that the Houthis had requested an end to the bombings and committed to halting attacks on American ships.

Shipping routes

The U.S. increased its military actions against the Houthis earlier in the year due to concerns over attacks on shipping routes.

Rights organisations have expressed worries regarding civilian casualties from these strikes.

The Houthis have engaged in assaults against Israel and shipping since hostilities in Gaza escalated following the October 7th attack by Hamas.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military has conducted airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen in light of these tensions.

Under Joe Biden’s presidency, there was a pattern of U.S. and British retaliatory strikes against Houthi forces to ensure the security of shipping lanes.

Trump’s intensified operations against the Houthis began after they threatened Israeli shipping.

The recent U.S. strikes have allegedly resulted in significant casualties among Houthi fighters and leadership.