The Houthi group in Yemen targeted a British oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden with missiles, according to a statement from their military spokesperson, Yahya Saree. This attack is part of a series of actions against shipping in the Red Sea, which the Houthis claim is in response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The United States military subsequently destroyed a Houthi anti-ship missile that was prepared for launch, citing it as an “imminent threat” to both merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region.
In response to these maritime threats, the US and UK have conducted air and sea strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen. These measures are part of an effort to protect international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, especially around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical passage for global seaborne commodity shipments. Despite these efforts, Houthi attacks on vessels have persisted since November 19, with various incidents reported including drone and missile attacks targeting not just commercial vessels but also directly engaging American ships.
Since the outbreak of violence on October 7, triggered by Hamas attacks and Israel’s military response in Gaza, there has been a significant escalation in Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The Houthi group, backed by Iran and based in Yemen, has intensified its military activities, targeting not only Israeli territory but also international commercial vessels navigating through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime choke point. These actions have led to a coalition formation by the US Navy and other navies to patrol the Red Sea and issue warnings to the Houthis to cease their attacks. Despite these efforts, the attacks have continued, causing disruptions in Red Sea traffic and increasing shipping costs.
On January 11, 2024, a joint operation by the United States, the United Kingdom, and other allies targeted 60 Houthi positions across 16 locations in Yemen. This response came after criticisms of the Biden Administration’s handling of the situation and calls for more decisive action against the Houthi threats. The US has expressed its desire to de-escalate the conflict in Yemen and prevent the Israel-Hamas conflict from expanding into a broader regional war, amidst ongoing UN-brokered talks in Yemen.
The Houthi movement, known formally as Ansar Allah, emerged in northern Yemen in 2004 and has since engaged in multiple conflicts with Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni central government. The group took control of significant parts of Yemen, including the capital, after a failed national dialogue and a subsequent military campaign in 2014, leading to the current civil war that remains unresolved.
