US Carries Out Fourth Round of Strikes Against Houthis in Yemen Amid Rising Tensions
The United States has conducted another round of strikes against the Iran-backed rebel group, the Houthis, in Yemen. This marks the fourth time in less than a week that the US has targeted the rebel group, according to three US officials and US Central Command. The strikes were carried out to neutralize 14 Houthi missile launchers that were used to attack international shipping lanes.
The US Navy surface vessels and the USS Florida, a guided missile submarine, launched Tomahawk missiles to destroy the missile launchers. The missiles were loaded and ready to be fired in Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, posing an imminent threat to commercial vessels and US Navy ships. The US took action under its inherent right and obligation to defend its assets.
“We will continue to take actions to protect the lives of innocent mariners and we will always protect our people,” said Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of US Central Command.
These strikes are part of a series of actions taken by the US against the Houthis, following significant US-led strikes last week in collaboration with the UK and other allies. The escalating tensions in the Middle East and concerns about the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza spilling over into the region have prompted these actions.
Earlier on, the Houthis targeted a US-owned and operated vessel for the second time in a week. They used a one-way attack drone to attack the M/V Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the ship was able to continue its journey despite sustaining some damage.
On Monday, the Houthis successfully struck another US-owned and operated vessel using an anti-ship ballistic missile. This attack marked the first time that a US asset had been targeted since the group began attacking international shipping lanes in mid-November.
The US has been cautious about escalating the situation in the region, particularly due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Despite the Houthis claiming that their attacks are in protest of Israel’s military campaign, the Pentagon has stated that the Israel-Hamas conflict has not spread beyond Gaza.
While tensions remain high in the Middle East, the US has designated the Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entity. This move highlights the US’s stance on the attacks carried out by the rebel group, which it considers acts of terrorism and a violation of international law.
Although the US believed that previous strikes would degrade the Houthis’ offensive capabilities, the rebel group has continued to carry out attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. US officials anticipate further retaliation from the Houthis, as evidenced by their recent attacks on US-owned and operated ships and international shipping lanes.
The situation in Yemen remains volatile, with the US taking decisive action to protect its assets and ensure the safety of innocent mariners. The ongoing conflict between the Houthis and international forces in the region poses a significant threat to global commerce and the delivery of humanitarian assistance. As tensions persist, it is crucial for all parties involved to seek a peaceful resolution to avoid further escalation and potential humanitarian crises.
This article has been updated with additional details.
