A senior official from the US Department of Defense spoke about the continued series of attacks carried out by Houthi rebels on ships off the Yemeni coast, confirming the occurrence of at least 50 attacks since the beginning of autumn.
The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have been targeting ships they allege are associated with Israel, as part of their show of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
During a congressional hearing, Deputy Defense Secretary Celeste Wallander affirmed the Houthis’ aim to disrupt international trade routes in the Red Sea, noting that they have carried out no fewer than 50 attacks since autumn.
These attacks have resulted in the closure of most maritime navigation passages in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, adversely impacting global maritime trade.
In response, the United States, a firm supporter of Israel, established a multinational naval force in the Red Sea in December last year and conducted military strikes in collaboration with Britain against Houthi-affiliated sites in Yemen.
However, another Pentagon official acknowledged the Houthis’ ability to swiftly replace destroyed equipment.
General Eric Correia, commander of US Central Command in the Middle East, indicated that only two ships can replace most of the equipment destroyed by Western strikes so far.
Correia emphasized the importance of enhancing international cooperation to inspect ships arriving at Hodeidah port in Yemen, which is under Houthi control, as well as the necessity to increase pressure on Iran, considered an ally of the rebels.
