In a strong statement addressing the recent attacks by the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, US President Joe Biden has expressed his determination to respond further if the group continues with its “outrageous behavior.” The United States and the United Kingdom launched a series of airstrikes on Houthi positions, targeting nearly 30 locations. The strikes were in response to the attacks on ships in the region. The Houthi group reported five casualties and vowed to retaliate.
According to President Biden, the airstrikes were successful, and he labeled the Houthis as a “terrorist” group. The Houthis, in their response, claimed that 73 missiles were launched at Yemen during the strike and declared that UK and US interests were now legitimate targets. In the aftermath of the attacks, Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam criticized the aggression by the US and the UK, calling it “treacherous,” while White House national security spokesperson John Kirby emphasized that the US has no interest in a war with Yemen but will not hesitate to protect its troops, facilities, and international commerce.
The strikes received support from US-UK allies, including Canada and Australia. The Pentagon stated that the Houthi group may not currently have the capability to mount a significant military response. However, there were reports of a missile fired at a vessel off the southern coast of Yemen. Fortunately, no damage or injuries were reported, but it sheds light on the potential risks faced by ships navigating through the region.
The US believes that Iran, a known ally of the Houthis, is providing support and resources for the group to carry out these attacks. Tehran has condemned the strikes on Yemen, considering them a violation of international laws. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak denied accusations that the strikes were excessive, while Turkey accused the US and the UK of turning the Red Sea into a “sea of blood.”
Amid concerns about further destabilization in the Middle East, both the UK and the US emphasize that the airstrikes were solely for the protection of shipping routes and unrelated to the Israel-Gaza conflict. However, it is worth noting the conflict’s influence, as the Houthis support Hamas, which has been the focus of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The targeting of ships in the Red Sea by the Houthis has instilled fear among major shipping companies, prompting some to cease sailing in the region. Insurance costs have risen significantly, adversely affecting commerce in the area. In response to the US-UK strikes, mass demonstrations were held in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, condemning the aggression and sending a message to the two countries that there will be consequences.
The Houthis, an armed group representing Yemen’s Shia Muslim minority, consider themselves part of the Iranian-led “axis of resistance” against Israel, the US, and the wider West. Since their rise to power in 2014, they have established control over significant parts of Yemen, including the capital city.
As the situation in the Red Sea unfolds, several scenarios are possible, with varying levels of optimism and pessimism. In the best-case scenario, the Houthis reconsider their actions and refrain from further attacks on shipping. However, given their popular support and defiant warnings of retaliation, this outcome seems unlikely. In the worst-case scenario, the Houthis persist in targeting shipping, escalate their attacks on US-UK assets, and manage to hit a warship directly. Such an eventuality would present a dangerous turning point for the US-led coalition, potentially leading to a costly and unwinnable conflict, similar to the Saudi experience in Yemen.
The recent strikes have also had an impact on global oil markets, as prices rose in response to the heightened tensions in the region. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reiterated that the strikes were in self-defense against the Houthi aggression in Yemen.
President Biden Warns of Retaliation if Houthis Continue Provocative Attacks
