The U.S. Conducts Self-Defense Strikes on Houthi-Controlled Area of Yemen After Unmanned Submarine Attack
In a significant development, the United States has carried out self-defense strikes on five targets in the Houthi-controlled area of Yemen. This action was taken in response to the Houthis’ use of an unmanned submarine, marking the first time they have employed such a tactic since attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden began. The Pentagon has stated that these strikes were necessary to counter the advancing capabilities and shifting strategies of the Houthi rebels.
According to ABC News national security and defense analyst Mick Mulroy, the use of unmanned surface and subsurface vessels by the Houthis poses a greater challenge compared to aerial drones and anti-ship missiles. Mulroy, a former Pentagon official and CIA agent, believes that these weapons are likely being supplied by Iran, as the Houthis lack the capability to manufacture them on their own.
The U.S. military has confirmed that in addition to targeting the unmanned submarine, they also struck an unmanned surface vessel and anti-ship cruise missiles. These cruise missiles have been a primary component of the Houthi arsenal that the U.S. has been targeting. The Houthis, designated as a global terrorist group by the U.S., operate in parts of Yemen under their control following a cease-fire in the Yemeni civil war. The U.S. alleges that the International Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, a branch of Iran’s military forces responsible for coordinating operations outside Iran, supports the Houthis and other armed groups with weapons and financing.
Mulroy suggests that both the Houthis and the IRGC are adjusting their strategies due to their failure to successfully strike a U.S. naval vessel. While the Houthis have targeted American ships without success, the U.S. has been increasing defensive strikes since another militia group backed by Iran attacked a U.S. base in Jordan, resulting in the deaths of three servicemembers. Mulroy warns that if any of these unmanned weapons manage to bypass U.S. defenses and harm American sailors, Iran should expect to be held directly responsible.
The use of unmanned weapons systems poses a significant threat, as they have the potential to overwhelm a ship’s defenses through swarm attacks from multiple dimensions. This acute threat has prompted the U.S. Coast Guard to intercept a cache of weapons on a ship heading from Iran to Houthi-controlled Yemen. Among the military equipment seized were components for the unmanned vessels that were targeted in two of the recent U.S. strikes.
In a preemptive move against Houthi aggression, the U.S. conducted a cyberattack on an Iranian spy vessel called the MV Behshad. This vessel has been operating in the Red Sea, providing targeting information to the Houthis. The cyberattack is part of the multi-tiered response promised by the U.S. following the militia attack in Jordan on January 28.
Meanwhile, the Houthis claim to have conducted five strikes within the past 24 hours. According to their statement, two of these strikes targeted American ships in the Gulf of Aden, while another strike successfully sank a British ship. These claims highlight the escalating tensions and the need for continued vigilance in the region.
As the situation in Yemen continues to evolve, it is clear that the use of unmanned weapons systems by the Houthis poses a significant challenge for the United States and its allies. With Iran’s alleged support, the Houthi rebels are adapting their strategies to overcome previous failures. The U.S. response, including self-defense strikes and cyberattacks, demonstrates their commitment to protecting their forces and interests in the region. The ongoing conflict between the Houthis and their adversaries shows no signs of abating, and it remains to be seen how this latest escalation will impact the dynamics of the Yemeni civil war.