US Military Operations Against Yemen’s Houthis: An Overview of Recent Developments

The US has initiated major military action against Yemen’s Houthis due to their attacks on shipping, killing dozens. President Trump has warned Iran to cease support for the group. The Houthis threaten to escalate attacks on US vessels. The conflict stems from the group’s control in Yemen and their alignment with Iran. UN calls for restraint in light of humanitarian concerns.

The United States has initiated its most significant military operation against Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi forces since the administration of President Donald Trump. This military action was provoked by the Houthis’ attacks on maritime shipping in the Red Sea, which resulted in the deaths of at least 53 individuals. The campaign is expected to extend for several weeks, according to a US official, and has already inflicted considerable casualties, including five children and two women, with 98 others injured, as reported by the Houthi-run health ministry.

In a statement responding to Iran’s support of the Houthis, Mr. Trump cautioned that the country must immediately cease its assistance. He emphasized, “If Iran threatened the United States, America will hold you fully accountable and, we won’t be nice about it!” This stark warning highlights the escalating tension in the region and the potential for further military engagement.

The Houthis, a Shiite Muslim group that captured Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, in 2014, have sustained control over substantial portions of the country amidst an ongoing civil war. Initially founded to revitalize the Zaydi sect of Shiite Islam, tensions escalated into armed conflict with the Yemeni government and Saudi Arabia. Dr. Sarah Phillips, an expert in global conflict, commented on the group’s strategy, noting that they bolster their legitimacy by positioning themselves as defenders of Palestinians and adversaries of American policies.

In recent actions, the Houthis have engaged in operations in support of Hamas and the Palestinian cause, disrupting global shipping routes and prompting international concerns. While the Houthis assert they only target vessels linked to Israel, this has led to potential risks for all shipping in the region. The United States and the United Kingdom have retaliated with airstrikes to restore free trade along the critical route that facilitates approximately 15 percent of the world’s shipping traffic.

Following a relative calm between January and March 2023, the Houthis signalled the resumption of their attacks if Israel continued its blockade of aid to Gaza. Following these events, President Trump ordered airstrikes aimed at Houthi targets, pledging to employ overwhelming force to safeguard maritime operations.

In reaction, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards underscored the Houthis’ autonomy in their strategic decisions while warning of potential decisive responses to US actions. Experts express skepticism that the Houthis will respond to US military pressure as anticipated, given their resilience and adaptability in conflict since 2004.

Moreover, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged for restraint and a halt to military engagements in Yemen to prevent further destabilization and humanitarian crises. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Houthis’ operational capabilities could not exist without Iranian backing, reinforcing the link between Iranian influence and regional security dynamics.

In summary, the United States has launched a significant military operation against Yemen’s Houthi rebels in response to their attacks on international shipping. This military action stems from a long-standing conflict characterized by the Houthis’ autonomy, Iranian support, and regional tensions that could exacerbate humanitarian crises. Experts anticipate ongoing resistance from the Houthis, complicating US objectives for a swift resolution. Global diplomatic efforts, including calls for restraint from the UN, highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address the conflict and its repercussions.

Original Source: www.abc.net.au