The U.S. Navy began another round of airstrikes against Houthi rebel targets in Yemen on January 18, 2024[4]. After a string of Houthi-attributed attacks on foreign cargo boats in the Red Sea, this was the fourth round of strikes in less than a week.
In Yemen, Houthi targets have been the focus of further strikes by the U.S. military. The attacks were conducted on fourteen Houthi missiles that were prepared for launch from Yemen[1].
The United States has placed the Houthis back on its list of specially designated global terrorists.The formal designation and accompanying sanctions are intended to cut off violent extremist groups from their funding sources[2].
The Houthis are still harassing commercial and military ships in spite of the sanctions and military strikes[2]. Today marks the fourth day of U.S. strikes in less than a week[1].
The most recent occurrence was when a one-way attack drone launched from a Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen struck the US-owned and operated M/V Genco Picardy[3], which was sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, in the Gulf of Aden. Additionally, Iran has received a severe warning from the United States to stop arming the Houthis[2].
Escalating Tensions
The most recent increase occurs in the midst of higher regional tensions. The Houthis, who hold sway over a large portion of northern Yemen, are fighting the Saudi-backed Yemeni government in a protracted civil war. Millions of Yemenis are suffering from hunger and disease as a result of the conflict’s humanitarian disaster.
The security of crucial trade routes in the Red Sea has come under scrutiny due to the recent attacks on shipping by the Houthis. The Houthis have been charged by the United States of America with supporting Iran, which is also involved in a covert conflict with Saudi Arabia.
Details of the Strikes
The latest airstrikes, according to U.S. sources, were aimed against 14 Houthi missile launchers that were “loaded to be fired.” Tomahawk missiles fired from American Navy warships and submarines in the Red Sea were used to carry out the strikes.
The goal of the strikes, according to the U.S. Central Command, was to “degrade the Houthis’ ability to carry out attacks in the Red Sea.” The actions were carried out in self-defense.
Houthi Response
The Houthis have denied responsibility for the attacks on shipping vessels and have vowed to retaliate against any further U.S. military action. They have also accused the U.S. of supporting the Saudi-led coalition in the Yemen conflict[5][6].
International Concerns
In Yemen, the United Nations has demanded a halt to hostilities and the start of peace negotiations. All sides have been encouraged to display moderation by the international community, which has raised worries about the rising tensions in Yemen[7][8].
The Houthis have been threatened with unknown consequences by the United States and its allies if they continue to target cargo ships navigating the Red Sea. Notwithstanding the military strikes and sanctions, the Houthis have persisted in their campaign of harassing military and commercial ships[9].
The most recent incident happened when a one-way attack drone launched from a Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen struck the US-owned and -operated M/V Genco Picardy, which was sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, in the Gulf of Aden. ·. Additionally, the United States has issued a dire warning to Iran to stop arming the Houthis[10] ·.
Uncertain Future
The already catastrophic situation in Yemen is expected to get worse as a result of the recent American airstrikes against Houthi targets in that nation. It’s yet unknown if the latest escalation will spark a larger dispute or if the parties can resolve their differences amicably.
In Yemen, the United Nations has demanded a halt to hostilities and the start of peace negotiations. All sides have been encouraged to display moderation by the international community, which has raised worries about the rising tensions in Yemen. The Houthis have been threatened with unknown consequences by the United States and its allies if they continue to target cargo ships navigating the Red Sea.
Notwithstanding the military strikes and sanctions, the Houthis have persisted in their campaign of harassing military and commercial ships.
