The U.S. has initiated significant military operations against the Houthis in Yemen, responding to attacks on shipping in the Red Sea that left casualties. President Trump warned Iran to cease support for the Houthis, while the group vows to retaliate against U.S. ships. The Houthis combat the humanitarian crisis in Yemen by emphasizing their external campaigns, leading to escalated military actions and international concern about regional stability.
The United States has initiated its most significant military operation in the Middle East against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen, responding to the group’s aggressive actions against commercial shipping in the Red Sea which resulted in the death of approximately 53 individuals, including women and children, with nearly 100 others injured. A U.S. official noted that this military campaign could extend over several weeks.
In a stern warning, President Donald Trump urged Iran, the primary supporter of the Houthis, to cease its backing of the group. Trump stated, “If Iran threatened the United States, America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it!” Additionally, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi vowed that his forces would target U.S. vessels in the Red Sea as a response to continued U.S. attacks.
The Houthis, a Shiite Muslim group, took control of Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, in 2014 amid a civil war. Initially formed as a revival movement for the Zaydi sect of Shiite Islam, they gained legitimacy among their followers by portraying themselves as defenders of Palestinians and opponents of U.S. intervention. Dr. Sarah Phillips noted that their focus on external issues serves to distract from the dire situation within Yemen.
The Houthis have been involved in the Gaza conflict, launching attacks on shipping routes to express solidarity with Palestinians, which have disrupted global maritime operations, necessitating the rerouting of vessels at increased costs. Despite claims of targeting only vessels associated with Israel, the threat to all shipping has escalated, prompting U.S. and British airstrikes aimed at ensuring the freedom of navigation.
A relative calm was evident after a ceasefire in Gaza, but the Houthis warned of renewed naval activities if Israel did not facilitate aid entry into Gaza. Consequently, the Houthis escalated their offensive, claiming attacks would recommence immediately. In response, Trump ordered air strikes targeting Houthi positions, emphasizing a commitment to using powerful military force until they ceased hostilities against shipping lanes.
The commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards asserted the autonomy of the Houthis in their strategic choices, warning of a decisive response to any threats from the U.S. Dr. Phillips expressed skepticism about whether U.S. military actions would yield the desired results, citing the Houthis’ resilience and adaptability in conflict.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for restraint and a halt to military activities in Yemen, warning that further escalation could undermine regional stability and aggravate the humanitarian crisis. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted that the Houthis’ capabilities are tied to Iranian support, thereby addressing the broader implications of their actions for U.S.-Iran relations.
The United States has taken decisive military action against Yemen’s Houthis due to their threats to regional shipping and their alignment with Iran. The conflict, rooted in the Houthis’ claims of legitimacy through external solidarity with Palestine, poses significant risks to global shipping and exacerbates an already critical humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Continued U.S. military efforts may only lead to further escalation, calling for international calls for restraint and nuanced considerations of regional dynamics.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
