President Biden Concedes Strikes on Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen Not Deterring Attacks
President Joe Biden has acknowledged that the recent strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen have not been effective in deterring the group’s attacks in the Red Sea. Despite this, the US military has carried out further strikes against the Houthis in Yemen, targeting anti-ship missiles that were being prepared for launch against international shipping lanes.
The US Central Command confirmed the most recent strikes, stating, “US forces identified the missiles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined they were an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region. US forces subsequently struck and destroyed the missiles in self-defense.” President Biden affirmed that strikes on the Houthis will continue, even if they are not stopping the group from carrying out attacks.
The Houthis, with Iranian backing, fired two anti-ship ballistic missiles at a US-owned commercial ship, the M/V Chem Ranger, on Thursday. This marks at least the third US-owned ship targeted by the rebel group this week. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or damages, and the ship was able to continue its journey.
The US strikes on Thursday are part of a series of actions taken against the Houthis, following significant US-led strikes last week with support from the UK and other allies. These strikes come at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with concerns that the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza could further escalate regional tensions.
The ongoing pace of US strikes in Yemen demonstrates the Biden administration’s willingness to use force against the Houthis, despite initial concerns about sparking a regional escalation. The strikes have become a more regular occurrence as the Houthis continue to launch missile and drone attacks against commercial vessels, including successful attacks on two US-owned and operated ships this week.
The initial US-led attacks targeted radar sites, command and control nodes, and weapons used by the Houthis against international shipping lanes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Subsequent strikes targeted additional radar sites and anti-ship ballistic missiles. The US has emphasized that these actions are in self-defense due to the imminent threat posed to US commercial vessels and Navy ships.
Despite these strikes, the Houthis have shown little deterrence and have continued to launch attacks on ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, which are crucial waterways for commercial shipping. On Monday, the Houthis successfully hit the M/V Gibraltar Eagle, a US-owned bulk carrier, with an anti-ship ballistic missile. Two days later, they targeted another US-owned vessel, the M/V Genco Picardy, with a one-way attack drone. Both ships sustained minor damage but were able to continue their journeys.
The Biden administration remains committed to protecting innocent mariners and ensuring the safety of US personnel. General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command, stated, “We will continue to take actions to protect the lives of innocent mariners, and we will always protect our people.”
Despite the ongoing strikes, it is clear that more needs to be done to effectively deter the Houthis and prevent further attacks on commercial vessels. The situation in Yemen remains complex, with various regional actors involved. The US strikes are just one aspect of a broader effort to address the conflict and protect vital shipping routes in the region.
This article highlights the challenges faced by the Biden administration in dealing with the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. While the strikes have not yet proven effective in deterring attacks, they demonstrate a commitment to protecting US interests and ensuring the safety of commercial vessels. The situation in Yemen remains fluid, and it is crucial for all parties involved to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict in order to maintain stability in the region.
