Title: Houthi Attacks on Ships in Red Sea Spark International Response
Since mid-November, the Houthis, the de facto government in northern Yemen backed by Iran, have been launching numerous attacks on ships sailing through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, a vital shipping route for global trade. The United Nations Security Council has condemned these attacks, which have disrupted global commerce and navigational freedom.
In response, the United States and its allies, including Britain, have taken action by carrying out missile strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. The State Department has designated the Houthis as a terrorist organization, escalating tensions in the region.
The Houthis, led by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, are Shiite militants supported by Iran and have been in conflict with Yemen’s government for two decades. They control the country’s northwest and the capital, Sana. The group opposes Israel and the United States, aligning themselves with the Iranian-led “axis of resistance.”
The attacks on ships in the Red Sea are linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with the Houthis targeting vessels to protest against Israeli actions and show solidarity with the Palestinian people. However, their attacks have also been in retaliation to perceived aggression from the U.S. and Britain.
These attacks have had a significant impact on global trade, affecting shipping companies and supply chains. Rerouting vessels around Africa adds time and costs, while using the Red Sea raises insurance premiums. The conflict has also disrupted undersea cables crucial for digital communication between Asia and the West.
The U.S. has taken steps to counter the Houthi attacks, assembling a naval task force to patrol the Red Sea and intercept missiles and drones. Operation Prosperity Guardian, involving the U.S., Britain, and other allies, aims to preserve freedom of navigation and shipping in the region.
The international response to the Houthi attacks underscores the escalating tensions in the region and the potential impact on global trade and security.
