In a recent development, Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have intensified their military operations in the Red Sea, specifically targeting ships heading towards Israel. This brazen threat directly impacts the United States' interests, prompting concerns about deterrence and the effectiveness of current measures.
The Houthi rebels have made it clear that they will not hesitate to take military action and retaliate if the United States or its allies target their country or engage in war against them. They have warned that American battleships, interests, and navigation will be potential targets for their missiles, drones, and other military operations.
Despite the concept of deterrence being rooted in preventing actions through the fear of consequences, it appears that current efforts are falling short. The Houthi rebels have already launched attacks on cargo ships and have targeted sites in Syria and Iraq through the support of Hezbollah or Iran.
Reports suggest that the United States military is eager to take decisive action in response to these attacks. However, they claim to be constrained by the Biden administration, which has allegedly issued instructions limiting their engagement. This has left many wondering about the state of affairs on the targeted ships and bases and who holds the authority to respond.
According to naval experts, these sites possess the inherent right to self-defense and can respond to attacks and even prevent future ones. However, explicit orders from the Pentagon, led by the administration, are required to dictate a defensive-only approach. Therefore, it appears that the military is being hamstrung either by Pentagon leaders or indirectly by the administration itself.
As discussions about potential escalation continue, it is evident that the situation has already escalated. Retired Navy SEAL Commander Dave Sears believes that a direct and forceful response is necessary. He suggests accepting Yemen's invitation and conducting targeted strikes on radar sites, drone launch facilities, missile installations, and even Iranian assets in the region. Drawing parallels to historical events, Sears highlights the effectiveness of decisive action, as demonstrated by President Reagan in the 1980s when Iran threatened to close down the Persian Gulf.
While current efforts are aimed at patting the back of personnel on the front lines, it seems apparent that more dynamic action is required to counter the escalating threats posed by the Houthi rebels and their Iranian backers. The effectiveness of existing rules of engagement is being questioned, and the need for a stronger response is increasingly advocated by experts.
The situation remains fluid, and the international community will be closely monitoring developments to see how the United States and its partners respond to these provocative acts and direct threats to their interests.
