In a significant development, the United States and the United Kingdom initiated a series of heavy airstrikes in Yemen, specifically targeting Houthi rebels. The move follows disruptive attacks on the Red Sea, which reportedly impacted commercial shipping along this crucial trade route. The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have been in control of most of Yemen for nearly a decade.
The airstrikes, carried out by US and British warplanes, ships, and submarines, aimed at Houthi-controlled targets across Yemen. These included an airbase, airports, and a military camp. The objective was to disrupt the rebels’ ability to store, launch, and guide missiles or drones, thereby reducing their capacity for future attacks. Witnesses reported explosions at military bases in various regions, including Sanaa, Taiz, Hodeidah, and the coastal Hajjah governorate.
In response to the airstrikes, the Houthi rebels have vowed to continue their attacks on regional shipping. Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesman, conveyed in a recorded address that the US strikes would “not go unanswered or unpunished.” The rebels’ commitment to persist with Red Sea attacks raises concerns about potential escalations in the region.
The United Nations Security Council witnessed a division in opinions, with the United States defending the airstrikes as a response to Houthi provocations. In contrast, Russia accused the US and the UK of triggering a regional conflict. Iran condemned the strikes and urged the White House to cease military cooperation with Israel to restore regional security.
US President Joe Biden warned of additional strikes if Houthi attacks on merchant and military vessels persisted. Despite having delisted the Houthis as a “foreign terrorist organization” in 2021, President Biden described them as terrorists in response to the recent provocations. He stated, “We will make sure that we respond to the Houthis if they continue this outrageous behavior.”
Several countries, including the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, and Bahrain, expressed support for the US-led actions. Meanwhile, Germany, Denmark, New Zealand, and South Korea offered logistical and intelligence support. However, Italy, Spain, and France refrained from direct participation, citing concerns about potential escalation and the need for a diplomatic resolution.
The airstrikes have contributed to rising oil prices due to concerns about potential supply disruptions in the Middle East. Commercial ship-tracking data revealed disruptions, with at least nine oil tankers altering their routes in the Red Sea. The ongoing tensions and disruptions have led to a surge in container shipping rates for key global routes.
The crisis in the Red Sea is intricately linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Houthi rebels have targeted ships in the Red Sea, citing retaliation for Israel’s actions in Gaza. These attacks have compelled commercial ships to take longer routes, raising fears of inflation and disruptions in the supply chain. The situation has resulted in a threefold increase in transportation expenses, with cargo companies routing through the Cape of Good Hope instead of the Suez Canal.
The airstrikes and Houthi threats of retaliation have raised concerns about the potential for a wider conflict in the region. The divisions in international responses highlight the complexity of the situation. While some major US allies support the airstrikes, others advocate for diplomatic solutions. The Houthi rebels’ determination to continue Red Sea attacks adds uncertainty to the geopolitical landscape.
The recent airstrikes in Yemen by the US and the UK, along with the Houthi rebels’ vow of retaliation, have heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. The interconnectedness of the Red Sea crisis with the Israel-Hamas conflict and its impact on global shipping underscores the need for diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. The situation remains fluid, with implications for regional stability and international relations.