US Military Strikes Houthi Drones in Yemen as Rebel Group Warns of More Attacks on US and British Warships
In a recent development, the United States military has carried out a series of strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, targeting their drones and ground control center. The Iran-aligned rebel group has warned of more attacks on US and British warships, escalating tensions in the region and posing a threat to international trade.
The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the strikes were necessary to protect merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region. The targeted drones, described as “Houthi one-way UAVs,” presented an imminent threat to freedom of navigation and the safety of naval vessels. By taking action, the US aims to make international waters safer and more secure.
The Houthi rebels, who are aligned with Iran, have been increasingly aggressive in their actions. They have declared all US and British warships participating in aggression against Yemen as targets. This has raised concerns about the escalating tensions in the region and the potential disruption to world trade.
CENTCOM previously reported that the USS Carney had intercepted an antiship ballistic missile fired by the Houthis and had also downed three Iranian drones. However, it did not specify whether these were surveillance drones or attack drones. The Houthis, on the other hand, claimed to have hit an American merchant ship in the Gulf of Aden after firing missiles at the US Navy destroyer Gravely.
While direct confrontation between the United States and Iran has been avoided so far, the US has been actively targeting Houthi rebels and other Iranian-linked groups in the Middle East. This marks a shift in strategy, as previous air raids focused on the group’s ability to disrupt global shipping in the Red Sea.
The Houthis, who control significant parts of Yemen, have been targeting Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea since November. They claim to be acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and in support of Hamas. In response to these attacks, US and British forces have launched strikes against the Houthis, who have now declared US and British interests as legitimate targets.
To address the escalating situation, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps to discuss the Red Sea’s security and the need for international action to hold the Houthis accountable for their attacks on vessels in the region. As a result, the US has established a multinational naval task force to protect Red Sea shipping, which accounts for up to 12 percent of global trade.
The European Union has also expressed its concern and plans to launch a naval mission in the Red Sea within three weeks to defend cargo ships. This collective effort aims to safeguard trade routes and ensure the safety of international shipping.
In addition to military actions, the US has been exerting diplomatic and financial pressure on the Houthis. In January, the group was relisted as “specially designated global terrorists,” indicating a strong stance against their activities.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. The US and its allies are determined to protect their interests and maintain stability in the Red Sea, while the Houthi rebels remain defiant in their attacks. The international community will closely monitor developments and take necessary actions to ensure the safety of maritime trade routes.
