US Military Strikes Against Yemen’s Houthis: A Response to Maritime Threats
The US has increased airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthis in response to threats on shipping, killing at least 53, including civilians. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi vowed to continue targeting US ships if attacks do not cease. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned against escalation, while UN officials called for restraint to avoid further destabilization in the region.
The United States has escalated military actions against Yemen’s Houthi rebels in response to ongoing threats of attacks on international shipping. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that airstrikes would continue until the Houthis cease their aggressive acts. In the latest airstrikes, at least 53 individuals, including civilians, were reported killed, marking the most significant military operation in the region since early 2021.
Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the group’s leader, warned that his fighters would target US maritime vessels in the Red Sea unless the US stops its military actions in Yemen. His statement reflected a resolve to escalate their military response to ongoing attacks, which he called a form of aggression. Meanwhile, the Houthis claimed to have launched ballistic missiles and drones against US naval assets.
The Pentagon reported that US aircraft intercepted multiple Houthi drones during this period, yet none posed a direct threat to US forces. Hegseth indicated that US military operations would remain steadfast until shipping routes are secured. He cited Iran’s support for the Houthis as a significant factor necessitating US involvement and reiterated a need for freedom of navigation in critical waterways.
Iranian officials have responded forcefully to US actions. Hossein Salami, commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, stated that the Houthis act independently and warned of severe consequences if the US escalates its military efforts. Additionally, the United Nations Secretary-General has urged restraint and an end to military operations to avert further destabilization in Yemen.
The recent US strikes killed civilians, including children, and led to widespread destruction across multiple sites, prompting local residents to describe the situation as overwhelmingly traumatic. Eyewitness accounts noted extensive damage with hospitals overwhelmed by casualties. Alongside these strikes, the Houthis’ actions had previously disrupted global shipping routes, inciting the US to undertake costly defensive measures.
Despite a temporary lull in hostilities during earlier ceasefires, the Houthis have resumed threats of targeting Israeli vessels, insisting on a halt to Israel’s block on humanitarian aid to Gaza as a stipulation for peace. Their campaign continues to pose significant risks to international maritime safety and stability in the region.
The intensifying military engagement between the US and Yemen’s Houthis illustrates the precarious balance of power in the Middle East. With US operations viewed as a direct response to Houthi threats against shipping, the situation remains volatile, risking civilian lives and further escalation. As Iran backs the Houthis, the call for de-escalation underscores the urgent need for political dialogue to address humanitarian concerns and regional stability. The ramifications of these conflicts extend beyond Yemen, impacting global trade and security.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
