In the latest development in the ongoing conflict in Yemen, the United States military has announced that it conducted multiple strikes against targets in Houthi-controlled areas, including an unmanned underwater vessel deployed by Houthi rebels. This marks the first time that the U.S. has seen the group use an underwater drone since the start of the Houthis' attacks on commercial shipping in the region.
The U.S. military carried out five strikes in total, targeting three anti-ship cruise missiles, one underwater drone, and one drone boat. These strikes were in response to what the military deemed as an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region. The military further stated that these actions were necessary to protect freedom of navigation and ensure the safety of international waters for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels.
The Houthi rebels, an Iran-backed rebel group in Yemen, have been conducting numerous attacks against commercial and military ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. These attacks have significantly impacted global shipping, with some major shipping companies suspending transit through the Suez Canal and rerouting ships around the southern tip of Africa, leading to increased commercial costs.
The recent U.S. strikes against Houthi targets are part of a continued effort to deter further attacks by the group. However, the effectiveness of these strikes in curbing Houthi aggression remains uncertain as the rebels have indicated their intention to continue their attacks as long as the conflict in Gaza persists.
It is unclear how much military capacity the Houthis still possess and how long they can sustain their attacks. The lack of complete visibility into Houthi-controlled Yemen poses a challenge for U.S. intelligence in assessing the situation accurately.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the international community will be closely monitoring the situation in Yemen and the Red Sea region to assess the impact of these recent developments on global security and shipping operations.
