US Conducts Fresh Strike Against Houthi Radar Site in Yemen
US forces have carried out a new strike against a Houthi radar site in Yemen, according to the American military and the Iran-backed militia’s official media. The strike was aimed at degrading the Houthi’s ability to attack maritime vessels, particularly commercial ships. The USS Carney (DDG 64) used Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles in the strike, which was a follow-up action to previous strikes taken on January 12. The Houthi movement’s television channel, Al-Masirah, reported that the strike targeted the Al-Dailami base in Sana’a, the rebel-held capital of Yemen.
Retaliation Against Houthi Forces
The fresh strike comes after US and British warplanes, ships, and submarines launched numerous air strikes across Yemen in retaliation against Houthi forces for their attacks on Red Sea shipping. US President Joe Biden warned that more strikes could be ordered if the attacks on merchant and military vessels continue. Witnesses confirmed explosions at military bases near airports in Sana’a and Yemen’s third city Taiz, as well as a naval base at the main Red Sea port of Hodeidah and military sites in the coastal Hajjah governorate.
Reducing Houthi Capacity
The Pentagon stated that the US-British assault had reduced the Houthis’ capacity to launch fresh attacks. The strikes targeted the group’s ability to store, launch, and guide missiles or drones, which they have used to threaten Red Sea shipping. The UK Maritime Trade Operations information hub received reports of a missile landing in the sea near a ship about 90 nautical miles southeast of the Yemeni port of Aden. The shipping security firm Ambrey identified the ship as a Panama-flagged tanker carrying Russian oil.
Houthi Response and International Reactions
The Houthis claimed that five fighters were killed in the strikes but vowed to continue their attacks on regional shipping. The United Nations Security Council saw a divided response to the Yemen strikes, with the US Ambassador defending them as a means to disrupt and degrade the Houthis’ attacks on vessels and commercial shipping. Russia’s UN Ambassador accused the US and Britain of triggering a spillover of the conflict in Gaza to the entire region. In Washington, it was emphasized that the US is not interested in a war with Yemen.
Impact on Oil Prices and Supply Chain
The price of Brent crude oil rose on concerns of potential supply disruptions due to the conflict in the Middle East. Commercial ship-tracking data showed several oil tankers stopping or diverting from the Red Sea, forcing ships to take longer and costlier routes around Africa. This has led to fears of inflation and supply chain disruption, with container shipping rates for key global routes soaring. The attacks by Houthi fighters have targeted ships they claimed were Israeli or heading for Israel, even though many of the vessels had no known connection to Israel.
International Support and Opposition
While some major US allies provided logistical and intelligence support for the strikes, others chose not to participate or sign a joint statement defending the attacks. The Netherlands, Australia, Canada, and Bahrain supported the strikes, while Germany, Denmark, New Zealand, and South Korea warned of further action. Italy, Spain, and France expressed concerns about a wider escalation. A senior US official accused Iran of providing the Houthis with military capabilities and intelligence for their attacks. Iran condemned the strikes but has not shown any signs of seeking direct conflict.
Conclusion
The fresh strike against a Houthi radar site in Yemen demonstrates the US’s commitment to protecting maritime vessels from Houthi attacks. The strikes have significantly reduced the group’s capacity to launch further attacks. However, the conflict has raised concerns about oil prices and supply chain disruption. The international response to the strikes has been divided, with some countries supporting the actions while others express concerns about escalation. The situation in Yemen remains volatile, and it is crucial for all parties involved to find a peaceful resolution to avoid further destabilization in the region.