Options for Retaliation Against Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea

The U.S. and its allies are considering options for retaliation against escalating maritime attacks by Houthi fighters in the Red Sea. The Houthi’s largest-ever missile and drone attack targeted ships in the Red Sea on Tuesday, with American and British forces intercepting 18 drones and three anti-ship missiles. The U.S. and its allies have been unsuccessful in deterring the attacks by the Iran-backed group, leading to discussions about potential military strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.
While the U.S. and the U.K. are considering a military response, there is concern about escalating tensions in the region. The U.K. is advocating for attacks to be focused on operations at sea rather than in Yemen, and Saudi officials are expressing concern about military action in Yemen. The attacks have led to disruptions in shipping in the Red Sea, impacting the global economy and driving up freight costs, while oil prices remain relatively stable. There are also growing fears that the conflict could spread further across the region.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is on a whirlwind tour of the Middle East to prevent escalation, meeting with leaders and emphasizing the need for the international community to respond to the Houthi attacks. Other Gulf states, like Qatar, have rejected a military response, warning that it would lead to further escalation of regional tensions. Overall, the situation has raised concerns about the potential for a larger Middle East war and its impact on global supply chains and the economy.

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