The U.S. has launched a military operation against Yemen’s Houthis following their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, resulting in significant casualties. President Trump has warned Iran, signaling its accountability in supporting the Houthis. Experts note the Houthis’ resilience and question their response to U.S. actions, while the UN urges for restraint amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
The United States has initiated a significant military operation against Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels, following the latter’s attacks on shipping in the Red Sea that resulted in numerous casualties. At least 53 individuals were killed, including five children and two women, while 98 others sustained injuries, as reported by the health ministry controlled by the Houthis.
President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, the primary supporter of the Houthis, emphasizing that the U.S. would hold Iran accountable if it continued to back the rebel group.
Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi declared intentions to target U.S. ships in the Red Sea if the military operations persisted, asserting, “If they continue their aggression, we will continue the escalation.”
Understanding the Houthis’ background is essential; they are a Shiite Muslim group that captured Yemen’s capital in 2014, gaining traction amidst the ongoing civil war. The Houthis originated from a revival movement in the late 1990s, evolving into a formidable force following increased tensions with the Yemeni government and a series of conflicts with Saudi Arabia.
According to Dr. Sarah Phillips of the University of Sydney, the Houthis often derive legitimacy by positioning themselves as defenders of Palestinians and adversaries of the U.S. Their focus on external conflicts serves as a distraction from the internal struggles faced by the Yemeni populace.
Historically, the Houthis have intensified their involvement in the Gaza conflict by executing attacks on maritime routes to show solidarity with Hamas. These actions have disrupted global shipping, prompting rerouting of trade routes that account for significant maritime traffic. The U.S. and Britain have retaliated with airstrikes to safeguard free trade along critical shipping lanes.
Despite a temporary calm following a ceasefire in Gaza, the Houthis resumed naval operations on March 12, warning of further attacks. In retaliation, President Trump ordered targeted airstrikes on Houthi positions, stating that the U.S. intends to use “overwhelming lethal force” to halt the rebels’ maritime threats.
Prompted by Trump’s military response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards commander indicated that the Houthis operate independently, suggesting that they would not necessarily respond in a manner anticipated by the U.S. Dr. Phillips expressed skepticism regarding the potential change in the Houthis’ operational strategy, noting their resilience and adaptability amidst ongoing confrontations.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for immediate cessation of military actions in Yemen to prevent further destabilization and worsening humanitarian issues. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also remarked that Iran’s support has been pivotal in the Houthi’s military capabilities and underscored the broader implications of their actions on global shipping.
The U.S. military operation against the Houthis is a response to their recent actions that threaten international shipping in the Red Sea. President Trump has warned Iran regarding its support of the Houthis, emphasizing the need for accountability. As tensions escalate, experts express doubts about the Houthis altering their behavior in response to U.S. strikes. Calls for restraint have been made at the UN amid concerns for Yemen’s humanitarian situation.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
