Trump announces halting US airstrikes on Yemen
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Donald Trump announces a suspension of US strikes on Yemen, citing a Yemeni "promise" to end Red Sea ship attacks, despite no formal deal, and vows a major Middle East announcement soon.
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Smoke billows following Israeli airstrikes targeting a power plant and Sanaa Airport, in Sanaa, Yemen, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (AP)
US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Washington will halt its airstrikes on Yemen, claiming that his administration received a "promise" from Yemeni representatives to stop attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. Trump described the move as "good news" and a step toward de-escalation in the region.
Speaking during a press conference at the White House alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump said his administration trusts the Yemeni assurances despite the absence of a formal agreement. "The Yemenis don’t want to fight, and we’ll stop bombing them. We believe their word that they won’t target ships anymore," he said.
He emphasized that the decision was made in light of what he described as a "genuine desire for calm" and reiterated that there is "no reason to continue the air raids as long as Yemen holds to its commitment to end naval operations."
'Israel' conducts airstrikes on Yemen
Trump’s remarks came just hours after Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes on the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, resulting in several casualties and injuries.
According to The Jerusalem Post, the Israeli occupation was not informed in advance about the US decision to halt its aggression on Yemen.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent confirmed that Sanaa International Airport was targeted by a series of Israeli airstrikes.
Footage shared on social media platforms showed scenes of Israeli airstrikes reportedly targeting Sanaa International Airport.
First-time evacuation threat
The aggression came shortly after the military issued an evacuation threat for people in the area around the main airport in Yemen's capital Sanaa, a day after "Israel", with US cooperation, bombed the port of Hodeidah after a Yemeni missile landed Sunday near "Israel’s" main Ben Gurion Airport.
"We urge you to immediately evacuate the airport area and warn anyone nearby to do the same and stay away from the area. Failing to evacuate may put you at risk," spokesman Avichay Adraee posted on X in Arabic, publishing a map of the area surrounding Sanaa International Airport.
Shortly after the order, the aggression commenced, targeting the airport and several other areas and infrastructure not included in the warning.
The US president also teased a major upcoming announcement, saying it will be revealed before he departs on a Middle East tour that includes visits to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.
"It’s going to be very positive," Trump said, adding that the announcement could come "Thursday, Friday, or next Monday," and describing it as "one of the most important announcements in years."
Canada is not for sale
During the same press conference, Trump mockingly responded to Carney’s earlier comment that "Canada is not for sale," quipping, "Time will tell." He also hinted at potential renegotiations of trade agreements with both Canada and Mexico.
Trump concluded by noting that China is "willing to negotiate" and stated that talks with Beijing would take place "at the right time."
