The US Central Command launches airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, targeting weapons facilities and command centres under President Trump’s orders

On Monday, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) revealed that it had conducted a series of airstrikes on Houthi-controlled locations in Yemen, following a directive from President Donald Trump.

This military operation aimed to restore freedom of navigation and reinforce American deterrence in the region.

Air Force Lieutenant General Alexus G. Grynkewich, Director for Operations for the Joint Staff, provided a detailed briefing on the mission. He was joined by Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell, who confirmed the precision of the operation.

Grynkewich explained that the strikes, carried out under President Trump’s direction, had targeted more than 30 sites across multiple locations controlled by the Houthi rebels.

These strikes were designed to degrade various Houthi capabilities, including terrorist training sites, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) infrastructure, weapons manufacturing and storage facilities, and key command-and-control centres.

The strikes also targeted a terrorist compound housing several senior Houthi UAV experts. Additional strikes were made on Houthi detection capabilities that had previously posed a threat to maritime shipping in the region.

Grynkewich confirmed that the operation would continue for several days, with the goal of achieving the objectives set out by President Trump. These objectives include weakening Houthi forces and limiting their ability to threaten both regional stability and international shipping routes.

When asked about a claim made by the Houthis that they had fired on the USS *Harry S. Truman* following the strikes, Grynkewich remained sceptical.

He stated, “It’s very hard to tell based on the level of incompetence they’ve demonstrated,” indicating doubts about the credibility of the claim.

The airstrikes are part of a broader US strategy to assert military presence in the region and defend critical maritime routes. The Pentagon has made it clear that these operations are designed to protect American interests and to counteract any hostile actions by the Houthi movement, which has increasingly relied on UAVs and other advanced weaponry in its ongoing conflict with the Yemeni government.

As the situation continues to develop, CENTCOM’s operations remain focused on ensuring the safety of global shipping lanes and curbing the Houthi threat, with military officials promising further actions if necessary.

President Trump threatens to escalate the global trade war with further tariffs on EU goods, prompting retaliatory measures from Canada

On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to intensify the global trade war by imposing additional tariffs on European Union goods, following the implementation of 25% duties on all U.S.

steel and aluminum imports. Trump’s comments came shortly after the tariffs took effect, as the EU signaled plans to enact countermeasures on select U.S. goods next month.

“Whatever they charge us, we’re charging them,” Trump stated, reaffirming his approach to trade protectionism.

This aggressive stance has raised concerns among investors, businesses, and consumers, contributing to fears of a potential recession.

The heightened tensions have also strained relations with Canada, a key ally and significant trading partner, after Trump threatened to annex the neighboring country.

In response to the tariffs, Canada, the U.S.’s largest foreign supplier of steel and aluminum, announced retaliatory measures. The country will impose 25% tariffs on U.S. steel, aluminum, computers, sports equipment, and other goods worth $20 billion in total. These tariffs add to the already imposed duties by Canada on U.S. products in retaliation for Trump’s broader trade actions.

Canada’s Finance Minister, Dominic LeBlanc, voiced the nation’s defiance, stating, “We will not stand idly by while our iconic steel and aluminum industries are being unfairly targeted.”

In anticipation of economic disruption, Canada’s central bank also took preemptive action by cutting interest rates.

Trump’s move to bolster protections for U.S. steel and aluminum producers aims to reintroduce effective tariffs of 25% on imports, extending the duties to various downstream products, from nuts and bolts to bulldozer blades and soda cans.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also indicated that copper tariffs would be added to the list of protected industries.

As global trade tensions continue to escalate, the world watches closely to see how further retaliations will unfold.

 Following the gas tanker explosion at Otedola Bridge, Lagos government pledges stronger safety regulations for hazardous materials transport

Lagos State Government has expressed deep concern following the catastrophic gas tanker explosion at Otedola Bridge, which caused widespread destruction and panic.

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In a statement issued on Wednesday by Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the Commissioner for Transportation, the government offered its condolences to those affected by the disaster while commending the swift and coordinated response of emergency teams working to contain the fallout.

The explosion, which has drawn significant attention due to its scale and impact, has prompted the Lagos State Government to take immediate steps to enforce stricter safety regulations for heavy-duty vehicles operating in the state.

The government highlighted its commitment to strengthening safety protocols and preventing future tragedies.

“The Ministry of Transportation is ramping up measures to crack down on reckless handling of hazardous materials, tightening compliance protocols, and implementing reinforced safety frameworks to avert future disasters,” the statement read.

Authorities have made it clear that they will hold transport operators accountable for adhering to safety standards. A stern call has been issued for operators to prioritize safety in all operations, as the state intensifies efforts to safeguard lives and property.

In addition to the focus on immediate safety measures, the Lagos government reiterated its dedication to building a transport system that ensures the safety and well-being of its residents. The statement further emphasized the importance of collaboration between the state and transport operators to prevent such incidents in the future.

As Lagos continues to recover from this tragic event, the government remains resolute in its commitment to enforcing stronger regulations that will protect its residents and prevent similar disasters in the future.