The United States has launched yet another round of strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen following an attack on a cargo ship. Tensions continue to rise in the Middle East amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
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The US Central Command confirmed that the strikes targeted multiple sites to prevent future assaults from the Iran-backed group. In response to the attacks, the US plans to designate the Houthi rebels as “global terrorists,” imposing financial sanctions and travel bans on their members.
According to the US Central Command, the strikes were conducted on 14 Houthi missiles that posed a direct threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships. The aim of these strikes, along with previous actions taken, is to degrade the Houthi’s capability to carry out reckless attacks on international and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.
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USCENTCOM Commander General Michael Erik Kurilla stated that the Houthi terrorists continue to endanger international mariners and disrupt commercial shipping in the Southern Red Sea and adjacent waterways.
In retaliation for the US and British strikes on Houthi assets, the Yemeni Armed Forces have announced that more attacks are imminent. The armed forces targeted an American ship, the Ginko Picardie, in the Gulf of Aden with naval missiles.
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Recently, a Greek-owned cargo ship in the Red Sea was hit by a missile fired from Yemen. This attack came after the Houthi rebels launched a three-rocket barrage on a US-owned cargo ship. The US military responded by downing a cruise missile fired by the rebels.
The situation in the Middle East remains tense, with conflicts and attacks unfolding in multiple regions. Additionally, tensions between Iran and Pakistan have risen following Iran’s strike on Pakistani territory. These events contribute to the volatility of the Middle East and its impact on global affairs.
Who are the Houthis?
The Houthi rebels, who currently control most of Yemen, have emerged as a prominent group amidst the Israel-Gaza war. Their relentless drone and missile attacks on ships they associate with Israel have turned the Red Sea into a dangerous environment. These attacks have disrupted international trade and shipping, causing significant economic consequences.
While the attacks primarily focus on ships connected to Israel, there have been instances where commercial vessels unrelated to Israel have also been targeted. The Houthi rebels have increased their attacks in the Red Sea, jeopardizing the safety of maritime operations in the region.
The rebels’ slogan, “Death to America, Death to Israel, curse the Jews, and victory to Islam,” illustrates their hostile stance towards these nations. The recent strikes by the US and UK on Houthi bases indicate escalating tensions in the region.
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