Yemen’s Houthi rebels and the U.S. have escalated military actions amid threats to Red Sea shipping. The U.S. pledged ongoing strikes against the Houthis, who retaliated by attacking U.S. naval vessels. Recent conflicts have significantly impacted maritime routes and global oil prices, with casualties reported in Yemen.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels and the United States have recently intensified their military engagements amid growing threats to shipping in the Red Sea. The United States has stated its commitment to target Houthi forces until they cease hostilities that endanger maritime operations. The Houthis reported launching retaliatory strikes against the USS Harry Truman and its accompanying vessels, claiming the offensive involved 18 missiles and a drone. In response, the U.S. military confirmed ongoing strikes against Houthi positions overnight.
The recent attacks are part of a broader escalation of conflict, marking the second strike on a U.S. naval vessel reportedly initiated by the Houthis within 24 hours. After the Houthis declared intent to resume attacks on Israeli-linked shipping due to the blockade of Gaza, the American military responded with extensive airstrikes in Yemen, resulting in significant casualties, including women and children.
A Houthi spokesperson stated that their attack was a direct response to the “continued American aggression against our country.” While the U.S. has not officially acknowledged the Houthi attack, Central Command released a video affirming that operational activities against Iran-backed forces are ongoing. The conflicts around the port city of Hodeidah have resulted in considerable infrastructural losses, particularly in military strikes that affected newly developed facilities.
The Houthi campaign disrupted critical shipping routes along the Arabian Peninsula, compelling global maritime traffic to circumvent the Suez Canal in favor of a longer journey around Africa. Since the cessation of hostilities declared in January, the Houthis opted to resume their blockade against Israeli vessels in the Red Sea as a response to the renewed Israeli blockade.
Last Saturday, U.S. military actions ordered by President Donald Trump resulted in over 40 airstrikes targeting the Houthi-controlled region, claiming at least 53 lives and injuring many others. This barrage was primarily concentrated on Saada province. Additionally, increased violence has influenced global oil markets, with Brent crude futures seeing a rise in value amid escalating tensions in the region.
In summary, the ongoing confrontation between the Houthis and the United States poses a significant threat to maritime security in the Red Sea. The Houthis’ retaliatory actions and the U.S. military’s continued operations highlight the escalating violence stemming from regional conflicts. Furthermore, these engagements have substantial implications for global trade routes and oil prices, marking a critical juncture in both Yemen and international relations.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
