Trump Urged to Support Yemen’s Forces as Houthi Attacks Escalate

• The State Department condemned Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
• Experts are calling for U.S. support for Yemen’s legitimate government.
• Walid Phares highlighted the need for a ground force to combat the Houthis.
• Recent Houthi assaults led to the sinking of several cargo ships.
• Israel has responded with military strikes against Houthi positions.

Escalating Houthi attacks prompt calls for U.S. intervention

The tensions in Yemen continue to rise as the Iranian-supported Houthi movement increases its lethal assaults on cargo vessels in the Red Sea, prompting a call for President Donald Trump to provide assistance to Yemen’s legitimate government. This urgent appeal comes as the State Department condemned the Houthi group’s recent attacks, which have raised alarms over threats to international shipping routes and regional stability. Notably, the attacks are not just limited to maritime targets, as they have also aggressively targeted Israel, escalating the already dire situation.

Experts advocate for U.S. support of Yemeni forces

Walid Phares, a seasoned American Middle East expert, highlighted the critical need for a ground force loyal to Yemen’s legitimate government and the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The STC’s achievements against Houthi forces in recent year’s showcase their potential effectiveness when bolstered by U.S. support. Phares underscored the importance of enabling these units through training and funding to enable a renewed military campaign, particularly in reclaiming the strategic port city of Hodeidah, which is pivotal for controlling Red Sea trade routes and hampering the Houthi’s supply chain from Iran.

Maritime conflict poses risks to global shipping routes

Last week saw the Houthi rebels intensify maritime assaults, resulting in significant losses, including the sinking of cargo vessels like Magic Seas. Israeli retaliatory strikes targeted Houthi-controlled ports as a response to an attack on shipping in the region. The situation is volatile—with recent incidents leading to tragic casualties and calling into question the safety of global shipping through this critical corridor. The ongoing conflict, aggravated by the Houthis’ actions, poses not only a humanitarian crisis but also risks broader implications for global trade and security, with U.S. officials stressing a commitment to countering threats in the region.

The escalating attacks by the Houthi movement on maritime vessels have prompted renewed calls for U.S. support of Yemen’s legitimate government. Experts argue the necessity of empowering local forces to reclaim territory and restore stability, particularly regarding strategic locations like Hodeidah. The situation underscores a critical intersection of humanitarian concerns, regional security threats, and the safety of international shipping routes.