13 January 2024. U.S. Navy destroyer fires missiles at Houthi radar site in Yemen on Saturday, following widespread airstrikes on Thursday.
The United States continued its aerial and naval assault on Houthi forces in Yemen early Saturday, firing missiles from a Navy destroyer at a radar installation used by the militants to target commercial ships in the Red Sea. This comes on the heels of a major airstrike campaign on Thursday that hit over 60 military targets across 28 locations in retaliation for months of Houthi attacks on merchant vessels.
Escalating U.S. Involvement in the Middle East:
These recent strikes mark a significant escalation of U.S. involvement in the Middle East since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began in October. Prior to Thursday, the Biden administration had largely taken a hands-off approach to the Yemeni civil war, focusing primarily on diplomatic efforts and humanitarian aid. However, the Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, a critical international trade route, appear to have crossed a red line for the White House.
Details of the Strikes:
While the exact location of Saturday’s targeted radar installation remains undisclosed, it is believed to be situated somewhere along the Yemeni coastline. Thursday’s airstrikes, launched by both American and British forces, were much broader in scope, hitting military bases, command centers, and weapons depots across the country. The Pentagon claims that these strikes significantly degraded the Houthis’ ability to launch future attacks on shipping.
Houthi Response:
The Houthis have vowed retaliation for the airstrikes, raising concerns about a potential escalation of the conflict. They have also denied responsibility for some of the attacks on commercial vessels, claiming that they are being falsely blamed by Saudi Arabia and its allies.
International Implications:
The U.S. strikes on Yemen are likely to have wider international implications. The Houthis are backed by Iran, a major rival of the United States, and the airstrikes could further strain relations between the two countries. Additionally, the escalation of fighting in Yemen could destabilize the region and lead to a humanitarian crisis.
Uncertain Future:
It remains to be seen how the situation in Yemen will unfold in the coming days and weeks. The Houthis have shown no signs of backing down, and the United States appears determined to protect shipping in the Red Sea. This could lead to a prolonged conflict with potentially devastating consequences for the Yemeni people.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
Additional Notes:
• It is important to note that there are conflicting reports about the details of the airstrikes and the Houthis’ response. Information from all sides should be treated with caution.
• The humanitarian situation in Yemen is already dire, and the escalation of fighting is likely to make it worse. The international community must work to ensure that aid reaches those in need.
