The USA and Great Britain, with the support of other allies, “successfully” attacked Houthi rebel positions in Yemen during the night. The military strike was a direct response to the Houthis’ unprecedented attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, the White House said in a written statement from US President Joe Biden. He will not hesitate to order further measures if necessary.
Since the Gaza war broke out between Israel and the Islamist Hamas, the Houthis have repeatedly attacked ships with alleged Israeli connections in the Red Sea. Large shipping companies are increasingly avoiding the route. The Houthis also repeatedly attack Israel directly with drones and rockets. There had recently been increasing signs of a reaction from the USA and its allies.
Biden said there had already been 27 attacks on international merchant ships, and for the first time the Houthi rebels had used an anti-ship ballistic missile. More than 2,000 ships were forced to take a detour of thousands of miles.
Britain and the US had warned of consequences
In recent days, Britain’s Defense Secretary Grant Shapps has repeatedly warned of consequences if the attacks do not stop. According to media reports, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called his cabinet together for telephone consultations at short notice that evening. U.S. National Security Council communications director John Kirby warned Thursday that if the Houthis do not stop their attacks, they will face the consequences.
Around ten percent of all world trade passes through the Red Sea. The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean with the Red Sea, providing the shortest sea route between Asia and Europe. The alternative route around the South African Cape of Good Hope extends the transport by a few days.
Major Houthi attack just a few days ago
The Shiite Houthi rebels have taken over large parts of Yemen’s north in their uprising that has been ongoing since 2014, and they also control the capital Sanaa. The rebels are supported by Shiite-majority Iran.
Just a few days ago, the Houthis carried out a major attack using drones and missiles on ships in the Red Sea. The leader of the Yemeni rebels, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, made clear statements, according to the Houthi television channel Al Massirah: “Any American aggression will never be left without a response,” he said. The response to any American attack will be “bigger” than the major rebel attack recently. The rebel leader called on his people to demonstrate in the millions on the streets of the capital Sanaa.
