The United States and Britain have launched strikes against 36 targets in Yemen as part of their ongoing operations against Iran-linked groups. The strikes targeted Houthi weapons storage facilities, missile systems, launchers, and other capabilities used by the Houthis to attack Red Sea shipping. This action comes in response to the recent attack on American troops and is intended to send a clear message that further consequences will follow if the illegal attacks on international shipping and naval vessels do not cease.
The strikes in Yemen are the latest development in the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas, tensions have been high in the region. The US-led coalition, which includes Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, is determined to put an end to the Houthis’ attacks on commercial ships and warships in the Red Sea. While the Houthis claim their attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians, the US and its allies view them as indiscriminate and a threat to global trade.
Despite previous strikes against Houthi targets, the group’s attacks have continued. In addition to the strikes in Yemen, the US also carried out attacks in Iraq and Syria against more than 85 targets linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and militias it supports. These strikes were in retaliation for a drone strike that killed three US soldiers and injured over 40 American service members. The US accuses Iran-backed militias of attacking its troops in various bases, while the Houthis have been targeting ships in the Red Sea.
The Pentagon has made it clear that it does not want war with Iran and does not believe Tehran wants war either. However, pressure from US Republicans has been mounting on President Joe Biden to take direct action against Iran. The recent strikes against Iran-linked groups aim to degrade their capabilities without directly targeting Iran itself.
It remains to be seen how Tehran will respond to these strikes. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson has condemned the attacks, calling them a strategic mistake that will only increase tension and instability. Iraq has also lodged a formal protest with the US after strikes in its territory.
In Yemen, the US and Britain launched 14 raids on Saturday, targeting areas in the governorates of Taiz and Hodeidah. The goal of these strikes is to weaken the Houthi militants without directly confronting Iran, their main sponsor. The strategy combines limited military strikes and sanctions to punish the Houthis while minimizing the risk of a wider conflict in the Middle East.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen has had significant consequences for global trade. Major shipping lines have opted to avoid the Red Sea trade route, instead choosing longer routes around Africa. This has led to increased costs and concerns about global inflation. Additionally, Egypt has suffered from a loss of crucial foreign revenue as ships bypass the Suez Canal.
In conclusion, the US and Britain have launched strikes against Iran-linked groups in Yemen as part of their efforts to protect international shipping and naval vessels. These strikes aim to send a clear message to the Houthis that further consequences will follow if their attacks do not cease. The strategy employed by the US focuses on weakening the Houthis without directly confronting Iran. The ongoing conflict in Yemen has had significant implications for global trade, with major shipping lines opting for longer routes around Africa.