US-UK strike Houthi targets in Yemen

The United States military has carried out a series of strikes targeting Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, reportedly destroying unmanned vessels, missiles, and a drone. [1]

Contents

Escalating tensions in the Red Sea Houthis pledge continued attacks on Zionist-linked ships International ramifications becoming more apparent Analysis Also read

The attacks, announced by US Central Command (CENTCOM) on 26 February, were described as “pre-emptive” measures to safeguard international waters — particularly the Red Sea — against possible Houthi attacks. [1]

CENTCOM has claimed that the strikes were carried out in self-defence, specifically in order to,

“…protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for US Navy and merchant vessels.” [1]

On Saturday, 24 February, UK and US forces stated that they had struck 18 Houthi-linked sites in eight different locations, with apparent targets including radars, a helicopter, and an underground weapons storage facility. [1]

Escalating tensions in the Red Sea

Since 8 October, the Houthis — who have held significant territory in Yemen since 2014 — have significantly increased attacks on vessels with ties to the US, UK, and Israel in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The Iran-backed group has stated that its actions are directly in response to the Zionist state’s genocidal onslaught against Gaza, and its key backers in the international sphere.

These attacks have disrupted a major segment of international commerce, affecting approximately one-tenth of the world’s shipping. [2]

Houthis pledge continued attacks on Zionist-linked ships

Despite the numerous rounds of strikes by the UK and the US, the Houthis have promised to continue targeting ships associated with Israel, in support of the occupied Palestinians, until the apartheid state ends its ethnic cleansing in Gaza. [1]

In a statement, the group was reported to have said,

“The attacks were a response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which have killed almost 30,000 people in four months.

“We promise to continue our campaign in solidarity with Palestinians until Israel stops the war.” [3]

Furthermore, the Houthi spokesperson, Muhammad Abdul Salam, has said the following in a series of posts on X:

“What the world is impatiently waiting for is not the militarisation of the Red Sea, but rather an urgent and comprehensive declaration of a ceasefire in Gaza, for humanitarian reasons that are clear to anyone…

“There is no danger to international or European navigation, so long as there are no aggressive operations, and thus, there is no need to militarise the Red Sea.” [1]

International ramifications becoming more apparent

The disruption in the Red Sea has continued to upset global trade along a route that accounts for around 12 per cent of the world’s shipping traffic. [2]

Many transport companies have diverted their vessels around the southern tip of Africa, adding two weeks to a journey, between 3-6,000 extra nautical miles, and considerable associated costs. [1]

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), has described the situation as,

“The pressures are getting higher and higher and there’s only so long that costs can be absorbed…

“[The scale of price rises] is not as high as the pandemic — but these cannot be kept away from prices for long.” [4]

Analysis

ANALYSIS

Fadlur Rahman

Imam, Northwich Muslim Cultural Centre

Since 19 October 2023, just shy of two weeks after the Israeli assault on Gaza began, in solidarity with the Palestinian people the Yemeni Houthis vowed to attack any Israeli ship crossing the Red Sea. Later, Israeli allies such as the US and UK were added to the list of ships being targeted.

A coalition comprising various countries, many of which have cowardly chosen to remain unknown, led by America and the UK, have undertaken to strike Yemen with missiles in order to prevent further attacks in the Red Sea on Israeli ships.

Tellingly, a Houthi spokesperson told Al-Jazeera that attacking his group made absolutely no sense whatsoever. His statement has further become a reality as they have resisted and insisted on carrying out further attacks on ships to show support for the Palestinians. This is despite being attacked by Western forces, and being one of the poorest countries per capita in the world.

What is quite stark is that a blockade on Gaza, leading to starvation and loss of life, did not prompt the US or the UK coalition to drop bombs or defend the oppressed.

However, a blockade of monetary goods in the Red Sea resulted in an instant barrage of missiles dropped on Yemen, including its capital, Sana'a.

On one hand, the apartheid state has refused to stop the brutalisation of Palestine until its goals are met. The fact that Israel is being backed by America has offered it unconditional support.

On the other hand, the Houthis have promised to continue the attacks until a ceasefire is reached. So it is obvious that these tensions in the Red Sea are going to continue to worsen until something gives.