- Houthi attack prompts US-UK concern
- UN calls for immediate cessation
- Potential military response discussed
The United States and the United Kingdom have indicated that they may consider launching military operations against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, following their successful repulsion of the most extensive assault on Red Sea shipping to date.
On Tuesday night, carrier-based aircraft and warships intercepted twenty-one drones and missiles that were launched by the Iran-backed group.
On Wednesday, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution urging an immediate cessation of Houthi attacks.
The text affirmed that member states of the United Nations have the right to defend their vessels. The Houthis responded with contempt.
The resolution was referred to as a “political game” by their spokesman, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi. In protest of Israel’s confrontation with Hamas in Gaza, they target Israeli-affiliated vessels.
The resolution from the United Nations urged the Houthis to cease all such attacks immediately. As they disrupt international trade, infringe on freedoms and rights of navigation, and threaten regional security and peace. Although eleven countries cast their votes in favor of it, Algeria, Russia, and China abstained.
Global Ramifications of Houthi Attacks
Earlier, several allies and the United States issued “consequences” warnings regarding the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The response of British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps when asked about prospective strikes in Yemen was, “Watch this space.”
The International Chamber of Shipping reports that 20% of cargo ships circumnavigate southern Africa. They are opting for this much longer route rather than traversing the Red Sea.
The Houthis claimed that on Tuesday they targeted a United States ship that was supplying Israel. Since November 19th, this was the 26th assault on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
At approximately 21:15 local time (18:15 GMT), Iranian-designed one-way attack drones, anti-ship cruise missiles, and anti-ship ballistic missiles were launched from Houthi-controlled regions of Yemen, according to the United States military.
Four destroyers, including the USS Gravely, USS Laboon, USS Mason, and HMS Diamond, and F/A-18 warplanes from the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, which is currently deployed in the Red Sea, shot down one ballistic missile and eighteen drones.
HMS Diamond’s guns and Sea Viper missiles downed seven Houthi drones, a defense source said. Each of these missiles cost more than £1 million ($1.3 million).
There were no reports of damage or injuries.
The Houthi military spokesman Yahya al-Sarea subsequently confirmed that “a large number of ballistic and naval missiles and drones” were utilized in an operation conducted by its forces.
He stated that it targeted a United States vessel that was supplying assistance to the Zionist entity [Israel].
“The operation was an initial reaction to the perilous assault on our naval forces by US enemy forces,” he further stated, alluding to the US Navy helicopters sinking three Houthi speed boats and executing their personnel on December 31 during an attempted assault on a container ship.
As part of their legitimate right to defend the nation, its people, and its territory, he further stated. The separatists would not hesitate to face any hostile threats with sufficient force.
According to Mr. Sarea, the Houthis will persist in impeding the navigation of Israeli or occupied Palestine-bound vessels through the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea until the cessation of Israeli aggression towards Gaza and the lifting of the blockade.
A spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed “extreme concern” over the situation’s potential repercussions on international trade, the environment, and human lives, in addition to the “risk of a broader conflict in the Middle East escalating.”
UK Warning on Houthi Threats
On Wednesday, Mr. Shapps issued a warning that the United Kingdom and its allies have “previously made it clear that these unlawful attacks are wholly unacceptable, and the Houthis will suffer the repercussions if they continue.”
He added, “We will take the necessary measures to safeguard innocent lives and the global economy.”
Subsequently, in a television interview, the defense secretary asserted that Iran was “responsible for a great deal of the negative events occurring in the region” and issued a dire threat of “repercussions” against the Islamic Republic and the Houthis should they continue to attack commerce.
When queried about the possibility of Western military intervention against Houthi targets in Yemen or even within Iran, he responded as follows: “While I am unable to provide specifics, the joint statement we issued unequivocally stated that if the current situation persists, appropriate measures will be implemented. Therefore, “I’m afraid the simplest advice is to keep an eye on this space.”
He was alluding to a statement issued one week ago by the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, and Singapore. These nations initiated “Operation Prosperity Guardian” to safeguard shipping in the Red Sea last month.
They claimed that the assaults presented an immediate and tangible menace to the freedom of navigation. This is fundamental to international commerce in one of the most vital waterways worldwide.
Although lacking the audacity of Mr. Shapps’ “watch this space” admonition, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the incident unequivocally.
Houthi Actions Raise Concerns
Although Mr. Blinken declined to “telegraph” a U.S. military action, he did state that he had been in the region for the previous four days, issuing admonitions to the Houthis to cease their aggressive behavior.
They have denied and claimed after this last strike that they are targeting American ships.
The Red Sea, the shortest shipping route between Europe and Asia and which is connected to the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal, traverses nearly 15% of global maritime commerce.
A rise in petroleum prices and disruptions to supply chains are feared outcomes.
Houthis say they’ve been targeting Israeli-owned or Israel-bound vessels since October’s Gaza battle. This is done to demonstrate their support for Hamas, an Iranian-backed Palestinian organization.
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Houthi Rise and Conflict Impact
The Houthis, formerly the Ansar Allah (Partisans of God), advocated for Yemen’s Zaidi Shia minority.
They seized control of the capital, Sanaa, in 2014 and substantial portions of western Yemen the following year, prompting an intervention by a coalition headed by Saudi Arabia in support of the Yemeni government, which is recognized internationally.
Over 150,000 people have died in the violence, and 21 million need humanitarian relief, according to reports.
The United States and Saudi Arabia have accused Iran of contravening a United Nations arms embargo. They allege that Iran is transporting weapons to the Houthis, including cruise and ballistic missiles and drones. The Iranian government has refuted the accusation.
