Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have once again targeted oil tankers in the Red Sea, using ballistic missiles and a one-way attack drone. The U.S. Central Command condemned these attacks as “reckless acts of terrorism.” In response, the U.S. conducted an airstrike on a Houthi missile system that posed an imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, as well as merchant vessels in the region.
This recent attack is just one of many that the Houthi rebels have carried out on merchant vessels since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023. The attacks are a response to Israel’s war on Gaza, and the rebels have vowed to continue until the conflict ends. As a result of these attacks, shipping activity through the Red Sea has declined by 90 percent, causing significant disruptions to trade.
The U.S. has been involved in the war in Yemen for over two decades, with the aim of fostering peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. However, the Yemeni people have suffered greatly, and the Houthi rebel group has gained more influence on the world stage. The forever wars in majority-Muslim nations, including Yemen, have resulted in the deaths of over 940,000 people and the displacement of as many as 60 million people.
The U.S. has conducted numerous attacks in Yemen since 2002, including drone strikes that have killed and injured civilians. The U.S. has also provided support to the Saudi Arabia-led coalition’s war in Yemen, which has caused a humanitarian catastrophe. The Intercept’s investigation revealed that Saudi Arabia has not paid its bill for the U.S. support, amounting to $15 million. Despite this, the Biden administration lifted the ban on selling offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, authorizing the shipment of air-to-ground munitions.
The U.S.’s support for autocrats in the region, including Saudi Arabia, has not brought about regional security and stability as intended. Instead, it has led to conflict and immense suffering, as seen in Yemen. The country is now on the brink of socioeconomic collapse, with a failing healthcare system and outbreaks of preventable diseases. Yemen ranks sixth on the Fragile States Index, second only to Syria in the Middle East.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen, coupled with the regional tensions stemming from the war in Gaza, has raised concerns about a wider regional conflict. The Houthis have targeted U.S. military forces and commercial shipping in response to the Israeli war in Gaza. In retaliation, the U.S. has conducted strikes against Houthi targets, resulting in civilian casualties. Israel has also engaged in tit-for-tat attacks with the Houthis, further escalating the situation.
In late July, Israel launched its first-ever attack on Yemen, using U.S.-made fighter jets. The attack caused significant damage to the port city of Hudaydah, a crucial entry point for food, fuel, and aid to northern Yemen. These escalations risk prolonging the violence and suffering experienced by the Yemeni people.
In conclusion, the U.S.’s involvement in Yemen for the past 20 years has not brought about the desired peace and stability. Instead, the Houthi rebels continue to pose a threat to the Red Sea and disrupt shipping activity. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with millions of Yemenis facing food insecurity, displacement, and a collapsing healthcare system. The regional tensions stemming from the war in Gaza further exacerbate the situation, with the potential for a wider conflict. It is crucial for international efforts to focus on finding a peaceful resolution to the conflicts in Yemen and Gaza to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.
