On Tuesday, U.S. and British warships successfully thwarted the largest-ever barrage of drones and missiles launched by Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen toward commercial ships in the Red Sea. The attack, allegedly orchestrated by the Iranian-backed militia, aimed to disrupt global commerce in protest of Israel’s conflict with Hamas.
F/A-18 fighter jets from the aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower, along with four other warships, intercepted an elaborate attack involving 18 drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles, and one anti-ship ballistic missile, according to the U.S. military’s Central Command. No injuries or damage were reported.
Britain’s defense secretary, Grant Shapps, stated that the British Navy destroyer Diamond also responded to repel the Houthis’ “largest attack” since they began targeting ships in the Red Sea.
Last week, the United States and a dozen allies issued an ultimatum to the Houthis to cease their frequent attacks disrupting shipping in crucial sea lanes connecting the Indian Ocean with the Suez Canal. The Houthis vowed to continue their assaults until Israel halts its Gaza Strip conflict, ongoing for over three months.
Despite the disruption caused by Houthi attacks, the United States has refrained from retaliating against Houthi bases in Yemen, primarily to avoid undermining a fragile truce in Yemen’s civil war. The situation has raised concerns about a potential broader conflict in the region involving groups affiliated with Iran.
The attacks have compelled major shipping companies to reroute vessels away from the Red Sea, leading to global delays and increased costs for oil and other imported goods. The Biden administration has warned that the Houthis will be held responsible for these attacks, hinting at possible retaliatory strikes.
Last week’s joint statement condemning Houthi attacks was endorsed by several countries, including Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and the Netherlands. The U.S. expects some of these nations to join if retaliatory strikes are executed.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, speaking in Tel Aviv on Tuesday night, emphasized potential consequences if Houthi attacks persist but did not specify the nature of those consequences. He reiterated the commitment to avoiding escalation and spreading conflict while asserting the willingness to take appropriate steps if U.S. personnel or forces are threatened.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Navy reported sinking three Houthi boats with all crew members killed when they fired on American helicopters aiding a Maersk cargo ship. The Pentagon has developed plans for striking missile and drone bases in Yemen, as well as facilities linked to fast boats used in previous attacks.
President Biden aims to avoid direct military strikes against the Houthis, fearing an escalation of conflict in the Middle East following Hamas’s attacks on Israel. Recently declassified intelligence suggests Iranian paramilitary groups are involved in coordinating Houthi attacks, providing targeting information for ships passing through the Red Sea and Suez Canal. In response to these attacks, the United States has established a multinational naval task force to protect commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
