RAF Typhoon aircraft is pictured at RAF Akrotiri following its return after striking military targets in Yemen during the U.S.-led coalition operation, aimed at the Iran-backed Houthi militia that has been targeting international shipping in the Red Sea, in Cyprus, in this handout picture released on January 12, 2024. Sgt Lee Goddard/UK MOD/Handout via REUTERS
In the early hours of Saturday, the Houthi movement issued a stern warning of a “strong and effective response” following a recent U.S. strike in Yemen. The United States, in its commitment to safeguard shipping from attacks by the Iran-aligned Houthi group, carried out multiple strikes, including one targeting a radar site. The Houthi spokesperson asserted that the retaliatory response would be resolute, emphasizing that the strikes had resulted in no injuries or material damages.
Amid growing concerns about the conflict’s escalation, particularly since the hostilities between Hamas and Israel, the U.N. special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, urged maximum restraint from all parties involved. The Houthi maritime campaign, purportedly in support of Palestinians under Israeli siege in Gaza, has targeted vessels not directly linked to Israel. The recent U.S.-British strikes reportedly had “good effects,” as stated by the Pentagon.
In response to the Houthi attacks on merchant and military vessels, U.S. President Joe Biden warned of potential additional strikes if the provocative actions persisted. The guided missile destroyer Carney utilized Tomahawk missiles in the latest strike to diminish the Houthi capability to attack maritime vessels, including commercial ones.
The Houthi leaders, while vowing retaliation, participated in large-scale rallies in Sanaa, where sentiments denouncing Israel and the United States were fervently expressed. President Biden, addressing the situation, affirmed the administration’s commitment to responding to Houthi actions and emphasized the U.S. disinterest in engaging in a war with Yemen.
The Houthi attacks have led to concerns about disruptions to global shipping routes, prompting commercial ships to take longer, costlier routes around Africa. Container shipping rates for key global routes have surged, contributing to apprehensions about inflation and supply chain disruptions. The Yemeni conflict, persisting for a decade, has entered a new stage of volatility, further compounded by regional dynamics involving Iran and its allies.
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