The United States has escalated its military response against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, launching its fourth attack in a single week. These strikes targeted more than a dozen missiles and launchers, which U.S. officials identified as posing “an imminent threat” to both commercial and U.S. Navy vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) described the operation as a defensive action, asserting the U.S. military’s “inherent right and obligation to defend” itself against Houthi threats. The latest strike, which took place at 11:59 p.m. local time, followed a Houthi drone attack on a U.S. shipping vessel in the Gulf of Aden, heightening concerns about an escalating conflict in the Middle East.
USCENTCOM stated that these strikes aim to degrade the Houthis’ ability to continue their hazardous attacks on international and commercial shipping routes. This includes the strategic areas of the Red Sea, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.
The recent Houthi drone attack targeted the U.S.-owned and -operated M/V Genco Picardy, resulting in damage but no crew injuries. This incident marks the second U.S. ship attacked by the Houthis in recent days, following the attack on the M/V Gibraltar Eagle.
General Michael Erik Kurilla, the USCENTCOM commander, emphasized the threat posed by these Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists to international mariners and the disruption caused to commercial shipping lanes. He affirmed the U.S. commitment to protecting innocent mariners and its personnel.
In a statement, the Houthis justified their attack on the Genco Picardy as a response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Following Israel’s military actions against Hamas in Gaza starting October 7, the Houthis have pledged to target Israel-bound vessels, now seemingly extending their threats to all ships in the crucial trade route.
The U.N. Security Council condemned the attacks earlier this month, and the United States has recently redesignated the Houthis as a terrorist organization. These attacks have led to shipping companies rerouting their vessels, adding significant time and costs to their journeys.
The U.S. has also formed a coalition of over 20 countries to safeguard vessels in the Red Sea. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated that while the U.S. does not seek war or expansion of the conflict, the Houthis must cease their attacks to avoid further escalation.
