On February 1st, Yemeni Houthi rebels attempted to target passing ships in the Middle East with rockets, sea mines, and drones. This information was announced by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on social media.
The Houthis, a militant group backed by Iran, have been engaged in a long-standing conflict with the Yemeni government and its coalition allies, including the United States. The recent attack on commercial ships passing through the Bab al-Mandab strait, a vital waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, has raised concerns about the safety of global trade routes.
According to CENTCOM, the attack was unsuccessful as the US navy was able to intercept and destroy the drones and sea mines with the help of Saudi Arabian and UAE forces. However, this incident has once again highlighted the ongoing threat posed by Houthis to the region’s stability and security.
This is not the first time that Houthis have targeted commercial ships passing through the Bab al-Mandab strait. In April 2019, they attacked a Saudi oil tanker, causing damage to the vessel and temporarily halting oil shipments. These repeated attempts to disrupt maritime traffic in the region have raised concerns among the international community.
The recent attack also comes at a time when the United States is increasing its military presence in the region to counter the growing influence of Iran. The US has accused Iran of supplying weapons and support to the Houthis, a claim that Iran denies. The ongoing tensions between the US and Iran have further exacerbated the conflict in Yemen, with both sides using the country as a proxy battleground.
The US has been providing support and assistance to the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, including intelligence sharing, weapons, and logistical support. However, the US has also faced criticism for its involvement in the conflict, with many accusing it of contributing to the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The war has resulted in the death of thousands of civilians and has left millions on the brink of famine.
The recent attack on commercial ships also raises concerns about the safety of international shipping in the region. The Bab al-Mandab strait is a crucial waterway for global trade, with a large percentage of the world’s oil passing through it. Any disruption to the flow of goods through this route can have significant economic consequences for the region and the world.
In response to the attack, the US State Department released a statement condemning the actions of the Houthis and reaffirming its support for the Saudi-led coalition. The statement also called on all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen has caused immense suffering for the Yemeni people, with millions in need of humanitarian aid. The recent attack on commercial ships is a stark reminder of the dire situation in the country and the need for a peaceful solution.
In conclusion, the attempted attack by Houthi rebels on commercial ships passing through the Bab al-Mandab strait is a concerning development in the ongoing conflict in Yemen. It highlights the ongoing threat posed by the group to the region’s stability and the safety of international shipping. The US and its allies must continue to work towards finding a peaceful solution to the conflict and address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
