Houthis Warn of Attacking US Warships if US Targets Yemen

The Houthi leader of Yemen issued a warning to the United States, threatening to attack U.S. warships if the Iran-backed militia is targeted by Washington. This comes after the U.S. raised a multinational force to counter Houthi attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea. The Houthi attacks on international ships are in response to Israel’s conflict with the Gaza Strip. As part of the U.S.-led security initiative, Washington and 10 other mostly NATO countries will patrol the Red Sea to deter and respond to future Houthi attacks.

The conflict in the Middle East has pitted the United States and its allies against regional power Iran and its Arab proxy militias. The war between Israel and the Gaza-ruling Palestinian Islamist group, Hamas, has led to retaliatory actions, including Israeli airstrikes and invasions of Gaza, resulting in casualties on both sides. Iranian proxies, including the Houthis, have fired rockets at Israel, while the Houthi attacks on the Red Sea have disrupted key trade routes and led to a rise in container shipping costs.

The Houthi leader warned against a direct war with the U.S., stating that they are not to be feared and that Americans would face severe consequences if they send soldiers to Yemen. This warning comes amid escalating tensions in the region and highlights the potential for further conflict between the U.S. and Iranian-backed militias.

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