Pentagon officials confirmed on Wednesday night that the US has executed a fourth round of strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. The action comes amid heightened tensions and follows the recent designation of the Houthis as "global terrorists" by the US.
Targeted Houthi Missiles
American forces targeted 14 Houthi missiles, believed to be intended for attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. The strikes were carried out using Tomahawk missiles launched from US Navy vessels, according to the US Middle East command, Centcom.
Designation Reversal and Ongoing Attacks
The strikes coincide with the US decision to designate the Houthis as "global terrorists." Jake Sullivan, US National Security Advisor, cited the militants' continuous attacks on commercial shipping in the region as the rationale behind this move. The decision to reinstate the designation reversed an earlier choice made in the early days of the Biden administration.
Houthi Attacks Origin and Response
The Houthi attacks on merchant vessels began in November, purportedly in response to Israel's military operation in Gaza. Subsequently, the group launched numerous attacks on commercial tankers passing through the Red Sea, prompting a response from the US and UK. A wave of air strikes, supported by several nations, commenced on January 11 after the Houthis ignored an ultimatum to cease their attacks.
Pre-emptive Strikes and Recent Houthi Actions
Wednesday's strikes on Houthi targets were described as pre-emptive, aimed at destroying weapons set to be imminently fired by the militants. Hours before the strikes, the Houthis targeted a US-owned vessel using a one-way drone in the Gulf of Aden, marking the second such attack in the week.
Statement from Centcom
Centcom justified the strikes, stating that the missiles presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships. The actions were taken to defend against potential attacks and degrade the Houthi's capabilities to disrupt international and commercial shipping.
UK's Non-involvement and Ongoing Commitment
The UK's Ministry of Defence clarified that it was not involved in the recent wave of strikes. Centcom's commander, Gen Micheal Kurilla, affirmed the US commitment to taking further action against the Houthis as long as they continue to jeopardize international mariners and disrupt commercial shipping lanes.
Yemen's Ongoing Crisis
The conflict in Yemen, which began in 2015, has resulted in significant devastation and a dire humanitarian crisis. The internationally recognized government's struggle against the Houthi rebels, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, has left a reported 160,000 people dead and two-thirds of the population requiring aid. The situation remains a cause for global concern.
