Rebels Fire Ballistic Missiles at US Ships in the Red Sea
In a recent act of aggression, rebels fired two ballistic missiles at US ships in the Red Sea overnight. This follows a series of US airstrikes targeting the rebel group in Yemen. As a result, two US Navy SEALs are currently missing. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has criticized President Biden's policies, stating that they have led to this level of aggression in the Middle East.
One factor contributing to the escalation of conflict is the Biden administration's decision to delist the rebels, known as the Houthis, from foreign terrorist organizations. Additionally, the increase in oil exports from Iran has facilitated and funded the rebels' activities. The loosening of sanctions on Iran and China's involvement as a major facilitator in Iranian oil trade have further exacerbated the situation. The US has reportedly provided over $10 billion in fungible assets to Iran, enabling the increase in its oil exports.
The disruption of commerce and kinetic attacks are not limited to the Red Sea region, but also extend to Iraq and Syria. In Iraq, there have been over 100 attacks attributed to Iranian-backed groups such as the Qatayef Hezbollah, while Syria has also witnessed similar actions.
Questions have been raised regarding the effectiveness of the recent Houthi terror designation. Concerns have been voiced over whether suspected Houthi operatives can still apply for visas and travel to the United States. The details surrounding this issue remain uncertain, as officials have stated the need to verify the specifics. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that any Houthi operative applying for a US visa would have it approved in the near future.
The ongoing issue of border security has also been brought into the discussion. Critics argue that the open borders policy poses a potential threat, as it allows individuals to enter the country without proper screening. The concern has been highlighted by the recent influx of over 9 million people crossing the border, leading some to question the allocation of taxpayer funds to support these individuals.
Furthermore, the disappearance of the two Navy SEALs off the coast of the Gulf of Aden has raised alarm. Congress has received limited information about the situation, as efforts are still underway to rescue the missing individuals. To avoid jeopardizing the ongoing rescue operations, no further details have been released at this time.
The situation in the Red Sea and the broader Middle East remains complex and multifaceted. It involves the actions of various rebel groups, the role of Iran and China in fueling conflicts, and concerns over border security. As the events continue to unfold, it is crucial for policymakers to address the root causes of the conflicts and prioritize the safety and security of US personnel and interests.
