Fact Check: Trump claimed Houthi rebels capitulated and agreed to cease attacks on ships.

Fact Check: Trump claimed Houthi rebels capitulated and agreed to cease attacks on ships

What We Know

On May 6, 2025, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would cease its military operations against Yemen's Houthi rebels, claiming that the group had "capitulated" and expressed a desire to stop attacking ships in the Red Sea. Trump stated, "[The Houthis] just don't want to fight, and we will honour that and we will stop the bombings, and they have capitulated" (BBC). This announcement followed a period of intensified U.S. airstrikes against the Houthis, which had been launched in response to the group's attacks on commercial shipping in the region. The Omani Foreign Minister confirmed that a ceasefire had been brokered, stating that "neither side will target the other, including American vessels" (Reuters).

The Houthis had been attacking shipping routes in the Red Sea, which significantly affected global trade, prompting the U.S. to intervene militarily. Trump noted that the Houthis had communicated their intention to stop these attacks, saying, "They say they will not be blowing up ships anymore" (Axios). However, shortly after Trump's announcement, a member of the Houthi Political Council refuted this characterization, asserting that their operations would continue until the aggression against Gaza ceased (Washington Post).

Analysis

Trump's claim that the Houthis had capitulated and agreed to a ceasefire is supported by his statements and the confirmation from Omani officials regarding a ceasefire agreement. However, the reliability of this claim is complicated by the immediate contradiction from Houthi representatives, who indicated that their military operations would persist despite Trump's assertions (CBS News).

The sources reporting on Trump's announcement generally have a reputation for reliability, including major news outlets like the BBC, Axios, and the Washington Post. However, the context of the announcement raises questions about the accuracy of the claim. The Houthis' denial of capitulation suggests that while Trump may have received assurances from intermediaries, the actual situation on the ground may differ significantly from his portrayal.

Moreover, the political backdrop of the announcement—coming after a series of U.S. airstrikes and amid ongoing conflicts involving Israel—adds layers of complexity. The Houthis' continued missile attacks towards Israel, including one that landed near Ben Gurion Airport, further complicate the narrative of a complete cessation of hostilities (CBS News).

Conclusion

The claim that Trump stated the Houthis had capitulated and agreed to cease attacks on ships is True based on his public statements and the confirmation of a ceasefire by Omani officials. However, the subsequent denial from Houthi representatives indicates that the situation is fluid and may not reflect a genuine cessation of hostilities. The complexity of the geopolitical landscape and the conflicting narratives from involved parties suggest that while Trump's announcement may be factually accurate, its implications and the reality on the ground remain uncertain.

Fact Check: Trump claimed Houthi rebels capitulated and agreed to cease attacks on ships.