Trump orders more combat-ready forces into Middle East

President Donald Trump He officially informed the Congress that he had sent the Ministry of Defense to move additional forces equipped to fight in the Middle East, as US forces conduct military strikes against Houthi militants in Yemen in an effort to stop attacks on US forces and commercial ships in the Red Sea.

In a letter from March 28 and published on Tuesday, Trump told the President of the House Mike Johnson and the President of Senate Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley that he had instructed the Ministry of Defense to increase the US military presence in the region and initiate major hutes in Houth control areas.

“I will no longer allow this pirate band to threaten the attacks of the United States and commercial vessels in one of the most important ships in the world,” Trump wrote. “We’ll behave Americans to guard.”

He said he would continue to hit until the group would no longer be a threat of navigation or American staff.

Strikes include Navy ships, Air Force bombers and unmanned aircraft targeting Houthi weapons, leadership and command centers.

Trump Administrator imposes sanctions against Bank of Yemen to support Houthis

Houthi Yahya Sare’s army spokeswoman participates in a rally of protesters, mostly a supporter of Houthhi, in Sani, Yemen. (Reuters/Khaled Abdullah)

Trump said the actions in accordance with his authority of the general commander and in accordance with the resolution of war forces, which requires a congress be informed.

The letter comes as Trump’s administration continues daily military operations in Yemen, and now they enter their fourth week. Air attacks began after renewing Houthi threats to Israeli ships and attacks on US forces, including three drones demolished from March 3.

After weakening strikes, Trump tells Houthis: Stop shooting at us and “we will stop shooting at you”

Houthi supporters march to mark the anniversary of the Yemeni unity in Sani, Yemen, May 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrahman)

Last week, the administration has sanctioned the International Bank of Yemen (Iby), accusing her to help Houthis move money at international and avoid restrictions. The US Treasury blocked the property related to the bank and its leadership, including chairman Kamal Hussain Al Jeli and two best managers.

“Financial institutions like Iby are crucial for Houthis’ ability to fund attacks,” said Treasury Deputy Minister Michael Faulkender.

Treasury and State Departments say Houthis use access to the Swift Global System Bank to support terrorist operations, including the purchase of oil and the procurement of weapons.

Houthi fighters march during a gathering outside Sana, Yemen, January 2, 2024. (AP Photo)

In March, Trump announced on the Truth of Social that “many” of the Houthhi leaders were killed in recent strikes, saying that the group was “decimated” and warned Iran, their main supporter, that it could be next if the attacks are continued.

“The choice for Houthis is clear,” Trump wrote. “Stop shooting US ships and we’ll stop shooting at you.”

Houthis began to enhance the attacks in the Red Sea after the Hamas terrorism in October 2023 Attack on Israel. They have taken responsibility for targeting American warships and have so far avoided hitting Chinese and Saudi ships, asking questions among defense officers about their strategic goals.

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The Congress is expected to review Trump’s report in the coming days as US strikes continue.

Fox News Digital, Greg Wehner, Brie Stimson and Caitlin McFall have contributed to this report.