U.S. Navy Faces Crisis in the Red Sea as Houthis Attack Commercial Ships in Solidarity with Hamas
In a recent turn of events, the U.S. Navy finds itself facing a crisis in the Red Sea as the Houthis, a Shia militia from Yemen, launch attacks on commercial ships in solidarity with Hamas. This comes after Hamas launched a deadly terrorist attack in Israel, prompting President Biden to warn Iran and its proxies to stay out of the conflict. However, the Houthis decided to join in and target commercial ships passing through the Red Sea, which is a vital route for global trade.
The Red Sea, responsible for 15% of global trade, is a strategic waterway connecting Europe and Asia through the Suez Canal. With Yemen’s 1,200 miles of coastline leading in and out of the Red Sea, the situation poses a significant threat to international commerce. As a result, President Biden ordered the U.S. Navy to intervene and protect the commercial ships under attack.
Currently, there are approximately 7,000 sailors deployed in the Red Sea, making it a substantial commitment for the U.S. military. Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, the U.S. military’s deputy commander in the Middle East, emphasizes the importance of keeping the vital waterways open and maintaining the free flow of commerce.
The Houthis’ attacks on commercial ships have intensified over the past few months, with at least 45 ships being targeted. In response, the U.S. Navy has successfully shot down over 95 drones and missiles fired by the militia. These attacks have led major container ship companies to divert their routes around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, adding significant travel time and fuel costs.
The disruptions caused by these attacks have already impacted the global economy. U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warns that Europe will be more affected than the United States. Companies like Tesla and Volvo have had to suspend European production due to supply chain disruptions.
Operation Prosperity Guardian, a coalition of more than 20 nations led by the United States, aims to protect the southern Red Sea and ensure the safe passage of ships. However, the Houthis’ use of advanced weapons, including anti-ship ballistic missiles and attack drones, has posed a significant challenge for the U.S. Navy.
Admiral Cooper reveals that the Houthis are the first entity in history to use anti-ship ballistic missiles against commercial shipping. Their attacks have targeted ships from various nations, not just those linked to Israel. The Houthis’ access to sophisticated weapons and their resourcefulness make them a formidable adversary.
The U.S. Navy has been actively engaged in combat, with ships getting shot at and returning fire. Destroyer captains in the southern Red Sea have only seconds to decide whether to shoot down incoming missiles, highlighting the intensity of the situation. The Navy has successfully intercepted and destroyed several missiles and attack drones, but at a high cost. Each standard surface-to-air missile can cost up to $4 million.
Despite the challenges, the U.S. Navy remains committed to protecting commercial ships and ensuring the free flow of commerce in the southern Red Sea. The ultimate goal is to restore safe navigation and secure the region from further attacks.
The involvement of Iran in supporting the Houthis is evident. Admiral Cooper confirms that Iran has been supplying the Houthis with weapons, advising them, and providing targeting information. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps is also present in Yemen, working alongside the Houthis. The U.S. Navy’s actions aim to degrade Iran’s capability to support the Houthis and protect its own assets.
While progress has been made in degrading the Houthis’ capability, the attacks continue. The U.S. Navy remains determined to eliminate and disrupt the militia’s operations to restore safe navigation in the southern Red Sea.
In conclusion, the crisis in the Red Sea poses a significant challenge for the U.S. Navy and global trade. The attacks by the Houthis, in solidarity with Hamas, have disrupted commerce and threatened the stability of the region. The U.S. Navy’s efforts to protect commercial ships and counter the Houthis’ advanced weaponry are crucial in restoring safe navigation and ensuring the free flow of commerce in the southern Red Sea.
