The Pentagon announced efforts to reduce the Houthi’s capabilities to attack ships, focusing on ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, as reported by Cairo News Channel.
The Pentagon emphasized continuing to urge Israel to adhere to the laws of armed conflict and international humanitarian law, aiming to restore calm in the region and advance a two-state solution. Concerns were also raised about civilian casualties in Gaza and tensions on the Lebanese-Israeli border, with intensified efforts to prevent the conflict from expanding beyond Gaza.
Additionally, US media reported that Washington conducted a cyberattack on a suspected Iranian spy ship gathering information on shipping vessels in the area. The Pentagon also noted Russia’s pursuit of anti-satellite capabilities, posing significant concern but not currently an active threat.
Recent activities in the Red Sea have highlighted the escalating tensions between Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen and international naval forces. American and British warships have been actively engaging in defensive actions against Houthi attacks, including the interception of drones launched towards naval vessels and commercial shipping in this strategic maritime region. One significant incident involved the U.S. destroyer Carney intercepting 14 attack drones launched by the Houthis, marking a continued effort to safeguard navigation and international commerce in the Red Sea.
Furthermore, the U.S. military took direct action against Houthi vessels, sinking three boats that were reportedly performing tasks related to “establishing security and stability and protecting maritime navigation” according to Houthi statements. These vessels were allegedly attempting to enforce control over maritime traffic, particularly targeting ships associated with Israel or those heading to Israeli ports.
These incidents are part of a broader pattern of Houthi aggression in the Red Sea, with a recent large-scale attack involving the firing of 21 drones and missiles towards the southern Red Sea. This was described by British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps as the largest attack by the militants in the area to date. These developments underscore the complex dynamics of regional conflict spillover, particularly in light of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which has influenced Houthi actions in the Red Sea.
