US Strikes Houthi, Rebels Deny Red Sea Attack Expansion Plan

_{Image Credit: indiatoday}

On Friday, the United States military carried out a fourth series of strikes against the Houthi rebel group based in Yemen. The White House reported that the targets were missile launchers preparing for attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.

The Houthi rebels initiated attacks on Red Sea shipping in November, claiming to target Israeli-linked vessels in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Subsequently, they declared American and British interests as legitimate targets. These Houthi attacks have led international shipping companies to divert trade routes between Europe and Asia around Africa, resulting in increased time and costs.

Despite a week of strikes aimed at reducing the military capabilities of the Iran-backed Houthis, they have continued their attacks. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated that the US conducted three self-defense strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen on Friday, marking the fourth preemptive action in a week.

The air campaign against the Houthis began with American and British strikes on nearly 30 sites in Yemen, using over 150 munitions. US forces later targeted a Houthi radar site in a follow-up action. Kirby emphasized that these actions were taken in self-defense to secure international waters for naval vessels and merchant shipping.

Kirby acknowledged that the Iran-backed rebels still retained some offensive capability despite the repeated strikes. President Biden, responding to the effectiveness of the strikes, acknowledged that they had not stopped the Houthi activities.

Simultaneously, the Houthis announced that they did not plan to expand their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea beyond their stated goals of blockading Israel and retaliating against the US and Britain for the airstrikes.

US Central Command forces targeted three Houthi anti-ship missiles aimed at the Southern Red Sea, identifying them in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. The strikes were carried out in self-defense to eliminate an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships.

In response to tensions in the region, the Indian Navy reported rescuing the crew of a US-owned vessel in the Gulf of Aden following an attack by the Houthi movement, underscoring the disruptions to global trade in the region's sea lanes.

Jan. 20, 2024 4:24 p.m. 2387

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