U.S. Conducts Fifth Strike on Houthi Rebel Sites in Yemen as Attacks on Vessels Continue
In a continued effort to combat the Houthi rebels in Yemen, the United States has conducted its fifth strike on Iranian-backed Houthi military sites. These strikes come as President Joe Biden acknowledges that the attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, carried out by the militants, have not been halted by previous bombardments. The latest strikes successfully destroyed two Houthi anti-ship missiles that were prepared for launch in the southern Red Sea.
The strikes were carried out by Navy F/A-18 fighter aircraft, demonstrating the United States’ commitment to protecting commercial and military vessels in the region. President Biden has made it clear that these strikes will continue, despite their limited success in stopping the Houthis’ harassment of ships. Speaking to reporters before departing for a domestic policy speech, Biden stated, “When you say working, are they stopping the Houthis, no. Are they going to continue, yes.”
Shortly after President Biden’s remarks, Houthi Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for another missile attack on a U.S.-owned cargo ship named Chem Ranger. The attack took place in the Gulf of Aden, just south of Yemen. Fortunately, the ship was not affected, and no injuries or damage were reported. The continued harassment of ships has prompted the United States and its international partners to launch Operation Prosperity Guardian. This joint mission aims to create a protective umbrella for vessels by intercepting any missiles or drones targeting them.
To further mitigate the Houthis’ ability to attack, the U.S. and British militaries have taken measures to neutralize missile sites, radars, and air defense systems controlled by the rebels. On Wednesday, the U.S. military launched another wave of missile strikes against 14 Houthi-controlled sites. Additionally, the Biden administration has designated the Houthis as specially designated global terrorists, imposing sanctions to cut off their sources of financing while ensuring humanitarian aid can still reach Yemenis in need.
Despite these efforts, the Houthis persist in their attacks on commercial and military ships. The U.S. has issued a strong warning to Iran, urging them to cease providing weapons to the Houthis. The Pentagon’s deputy press secretary, Sabrina Singh, emphasized that the strikes were not expected to immediately halt the Houthis’ actions. Singh stated, “We never said the Houthis would immediately stop.” However, since the joint U.S. and British operation began, the scale of the attacks has decreased.
The Houthis claim that their attacks on ships in the Red Sea are in response to Israeli aggression or ships heading to Israeli ports. They argue that their actions aim to end Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip, which was triggered by an attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. However, as the attacks continue, the links between the targeted ships and Israel have become more tenuous. There are concerns that this conflict between Israel and Hamas could escalate into a wider regional war. The United States, however, maintains that it does not seek war and hopes to avoid a regional conflict.
In conclusion, the United States’ fifth strike on Houthi rebel sites in Yemen reflects its ongoing commitment to protect vessels in the Red Sea from militant attacks. Despite the limited success of previous strikes, President Biden has affirmed that these operations will continue. The joint mission Operation Prosperity Guardian aims to create a protective umbrella for ships by intercepting any threats. The U.S. and British militaries have also taken measures to neutralize Houthi-controlled sites. While the attacks persist, efforts are being made to de-escalate tensions and prevent a wider regional war.
