In recent months, the Houthis, a rebel group in Yemen, have been causing significant disruptions in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal region. Their attacks on US forces and ships have raised concerns among Pentagon leaders. Since November, there have been 35 attacks on US forces and vessels in the area. Moreover, the impact of these attacks has resulted in a 50% decrease in shipping through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, affecting the global supply chain.
The Pentagon has recognized the need to take action against the Houthi capabilities to halt their attacks. The rebel group possesses thousands of rockets, missiles, launchers, radar systems, and command and control infrastructure. Given their years-long conflict with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the Houthis have developed advanced skills in warfare. The US administration has initiated a comprehensive campaign to dismantle their capabilities. Approximately 25% of the Houthi military assets have been destroyed or rendered unusable, but this mission requires a sustained effort.
Another crucial aspect in addressing the Houthi threat is intercepting the transshipments that flow from Iran into Yemen. Recent efforts seem to indicate progress in this regard, but sustained vigilance is required to curb the flow of weapons from Iran.
However, it is important to recognize that the center of gravity lies with Iran itself. The proxies in the region, including the Houthis, are ultimately acting under the direction of Iran. Holding Iran accountable and targeting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), its training centers, bases, headquarters, and leaders, is seen as a necessary step in dealing with the broader issue.
There are concerns about the strain on US capabilities and stockpiles resulting from these conflicts. Lawmakers, recognizing the need to counter the Houthi attacks, worry that dedicating resources to this immediate threat might divert attention and resources away from deterring potential future conflicts, such as those involving China. The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East highlight the urgent need to address deficiencies in defense industrial capacity and accelerate the development of weapon systems and munitions.
The current funding debate in Congress has caused anxiety among US allies, such as Ukraine, who are fighting against Russian aggression. The perception of a political deadlock in the United States over funding has led Ukraine to adopt a defensive approach, hoarding their existing weapons and largely focusing on repelling Russian attacks rather than making significant progress. This perceived hesitancy from the US and Europe has emboldened Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is attempting to weaken the transatlantic NATO treaty and set the conditions for future invasions.
The stakes in Ukraine extend beyond the immediate conflict. If Russia gains the upper hand, it could potentially lead to a larger-scale invasion of Eastern Europe, triggering a NATO response. This would have far-reaching consequences and could escalate the situation into a major war. Therefore, the repercussions of failing to support Ukraine go beyond the region itself and could result in destabilizing Europe as a whole.
The situation in the Red Sea, the Suez Canal, Ukraine, and the Middle East highlights the serious challenges facing the United States. With the threat from China in the Indo-Pacific region also looming large, there is an urgent need for the US to reassess and address its defense capabilities to effectively confront these multifaceted and interconnected challenges.
