President Donald Trump has officially notified Congress that he’s sending extra combat-ready U.S. forces to the Middle East, escalating military pressure on Houthi militants in Yemen. This move comes as the U.S. steps up air and sea strikes to stop attacks on American personnel and commercial ships navigating the increasingly dangerous Red Sea.

In a letter dated March 28 to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley, Trump laid out his directive to boost U.S. military presence in the region and ramp up strikes on Houthi-controlled areas. He didn’t hold back, labeling the Houthis a “band of pirates” and pledging, "We will act to keep Americans safe."

Trump insisted the strikes would continue until the Houthis no longer pose a threat to navigation or U.S. personnel. The operations include Navy ships, Air Force bombers, and drones, all targeting Houthi weapons, leadership, and command centers. It’s a full-court press on all fronts.

The administration isn’t just relying on firepower. Last week, the U.S. slapped sanctions on the International Bank of Yemen, accusing it of helping the Houthis skirt global restrictions and move money for their operations. The Treasury Department blocked assets connected to the bank’s leadership, driving home that financial institutions are just as crucial to the fight as missiles and drones.

Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender said, "Financial institutions like IBY are critical to the Houthis’ ability to fund attacks." The U.S. alleges the bank’s access to the SWIFT network is being used for everything from weapons deals to oil purchases—which, let’s be honest, is the kind of international banking drama nobody asked for.

Trump also used his Truth Social account to claim recent strikes have "decimated" Houthi leadership, warning Iran—widely seen as the group’s main backer—that it could be next if hostilities continue. The message to the Houthis is blunt: stop attacking U.S. ships and the U.S. will stop firing back. Simple terms, but so far, not much sign of a truce.

These escalations come after the Houthis ramped up Red Sea attacks in the wake of the October 2023 Hamas assault on Israel. So far, they’ve targeted U.S. and Israeli vessels, but steered clear of Chinese and Saudi ships. That selective targeting has definitely got some defense officials scratching their heads about what’s really going on behind the scenes.

Congress is expected to review Trump’s report on the military moves in the coming days, as U.S. strikes roll on into a fourth week. For now, the Red Sea remains a chessboard, with some seriously high-stakes pieces in play.

Red Sea News

Trump Orders Combat Troop Surge in Middle East to Hammer Houthis Amid Red Sea Chaos