U.S. Airstrikes in Yemen Intensify Conflict with Houthis Amid Regional Tensions

U.S. airstrikes in Yemen have killed at least 53 individuals amidst ongoing Houthi attacks disrupting global trade. The strikes coincide with U.S. efforts to increase sanctions on Iran. Houthi leadership vows to target U.S. vessels in response, further complicating regional stability and heightening tensions with Israel.

On Sunday, the Houthi-run health ministry reported that U.S. airstrikes in Yemen have resulted in the deaths of at least 53 individuals, including five children and two women, with 98 others injured. This escalation occurs amid the Houthis’ ongoing attacks on ships off Yemen’s coast, which have significantly disrupted global trade since November 2023, highlighting the conflict’s broader impact on international commerce.

U.S. military officials indicated that these strikes may persist for weeks as Washington intensifies sanctions against Iran while seeking negotiations regarding its nuclear program. Recently, an Emirati official conveyed a letter from former President Trump to Iran proposing nuclear discussions, which was dismissed by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a deceptive tactic by Washington.

In response, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Tehran would assess the proposal thoroughly before responding. The Houthis have asserted that their attacks, framed as support for Palestinians amidst the conflict in Gaza, serve a greater political purpose. However, U.S. and allied forces characterize these actions as indiscriminate threats to global maritime safety.

Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi announced the group’s intention to target U.S. naval vessels in the Red Sea as long as U.S. strikes continue in Yemen. Under his leadership, the Houthis have significantly augmented their military capabilities, claiming to possess an array of drones and missiles, which Saudi Arabia and Western states allege are supplied by Iran—a claim Tehran denies vehemently.

Despite Iranian support, the Houthis contest the narrative of being mere proxies of Tehran, with many experts noting that their agenda primarily revolves around domestic objectives. The group’s military spokesperson claimed responsibility for a recent attack targeting the USS Harry S. Truman, a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Red Sea without offering substantial proof.

The Houthis are part of an “Axis of Resistance,” a coalition that opposes Israel and Western influence in the region, aligning with groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, which are also supported by Iran. Israel has recently undermined some of Tehran’s regional allies but continues to face a resilient Houthi presence alongside other pro-Iran militias.

Additionally, violence persisted in the region, with an Israeli airstrike in Rafah resulting in three Palestinian fatalities. The Israeli military communicated that these operations are focused on eliminating terrorist threats as part of its ongoing campaign following the Hamas-led assaults in October 2023. The ongoing violence highlights the precarious nature of ceasefire negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., which are struggling to yield fruitful agreements for peace between Israel and Hamas.

Moreover, the Houthis have threatened to renew their attacks on Israeli shipping unless the blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza is lifted, further complicating the situation. Israel has retaliated by targeting Houthi interests in Yemen while cautioning that the militants risk suffering the same devastating consequences faced by other adversaries of Israel, including Hamas and Hezbollah. Former President Trump has also issued warnings to Iran regarding its continued support for the Houthis.

In conclusion, recent U.S. airstrikes in Yemen have escalated the conflict, resulting in numerous casualties among civilians. The ongoing hostilities reflect the Houthis’ commitment to their agenda, which they claim is in solidarity with Palestine, while the U.S. and its allies view their actions as a threat to global shipping. As the region grapples with these challenges, the potential for further violence remains a pressing concern, particularly under the shadow of Iranian influence and regional power dynamics.

Original Source: m.economictimes.com