The Houthis, a rebel group in Yemen, have promised to retaliate against U.S. and British assets following recent strikes carried out by the United States and the United Kingdom. The Houthi Prime Minister, Ali Al-Hussein, denounced the 'criminal aggression' against Yemen and declared that his forces would not hesitate to target threatening sources on land and sea.
The U.S. ambassador defended the strikes as legal under international law, stating that their aim was to disrupt and degrade the Houthis' ability to carry out attacks on vessels and commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The strikes were deemed necessary and proportionate, with the United States emphasizing its desire to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the region while respecting freedom of navigation.
The Houthi attacks on shipping have been condemned by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who called them unacceptable. He urged countries defending their ships to respect international law and avoid escalation. There are concerns about the potential reaction from the Houthis to the recent strikes and their vow of retaliation.
Since late November, the Houthi rebels have launched over two dozen attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. On Tuesday of this week, the U.S. military intercepted and shot down 21 Houthi missiles and drones. The actions of the Houthis have disrupted global supply chains and put lives at risk, according to officials from the United States and the United Kingdom.
In response to the initial round of strikes, the Houthis attempted to strike at least one anti-ship ballistic missile. The success of the U.S. and UK strikes in downgrading or slowing down the Houthis' ability to carry out such attacks is yet to be determined.
Regional concerns are growing as the Houthis have broadened their attacks beyond the Red Sea, targeting countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The backing and funding of Iran, which supports the Houthi rebels, adds to the complexity of the situation. The Houthis have repeatedly vowed to continue their attacks along the Red Sea as long as Israel's attacks on Gaza continue.
With tensions escalating in the region, particularly regarding Israel's war in Gaza, the actions of the Houthis pose a significant concern for regional leaders. The strikes carried out by the U.S. and the United Kingdom, along with support from international allies, reflect a concerted effort to mitigate the threat posed by the Houthis and safeguard regional stability. However, the potential for further escalation and retaliation hangs in the balance as the situation unfolds.
