U.S. Considers Response to Houthi Attacks on Ships in Red Sea
When Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched missiles and hit three commercial ships in the southern Red Sea last weekend, the U.S. military is considering how to respond.
Who Are the Houthis and What's Going on in Yemen
Houthi rebels in Yemen have been engaged in a grinding war with the Saudi-led coalition since 2014. The war has caused widespread hunger and misery in Yemen, resulting in one of the world's worst humanitarian disasters. A cease-fire was technically ended over a year ago, but it is still largely being honored.
The Houthi attacks on ships, especially after the explosion at a hospital in Gaza, have increased recently. Houthi leaders claim that Israel is their target.
The U.S. has shot down Houthi drones and missiles in the region, but they argue that the attacks have not technically targeted U.S. vessels or forces.
Attacks on Ships
The Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea have escalated in recent weeks. The attacks have hit vessels belonging to various countries, including one with an Israeli connection. The U.S. Navy has shot down Houthi drones and missiles aimed at Navy ships in the region.
The attacks have prompted warnings for ships transiting the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb. The U.S. is in talks with allies to form a naval task force to escort commercial ships in the region.
The U.S. Calculus
The U.S. has conducted airstrikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria that have targeted American forces. However, they have not yet retaliated against the Houthi attacks in Yemen.
The U.S. is wary of taking action that could upend the current Yemeni truce and trigger a wider regional conflict. Officials want to protect free navigation of the seas while avoiding escalation.
The U.S. has said that military action is still an option but has stressed that there is a difference between the attacks on American forces in Iraq and Syria and the Houthi attacks on ships.
