US and UK forces target Houthis for their attacks on shipping vessels

The United States and Britain conducted airstrikes on Houthi rebel targets in Yemen in response to attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The airstrikes were aimed at addressing the source of the Houthi attacks, which included firing drones and anti-ship missiles at merchant ships. The attacks came after a warning from the Biden administration that there would be consequences for such actions.

The airstrikes represent a significant escalation in the conflict, as the US and Britain become further embroiled in a battle with an Iranian proxy. Iran also escalated tensions by capturing an oil tanker off the coast of Oman. Previous attempts to deter Houthi attacks have failed, and the airstrikes are a risky gamble as they could potentially lead to a larger regional war. However, the US and Britain were faced with the challenge of addressing the Houthi threat to shipping while preventing further spread of the conflict.

The Houthi leader vowed a “major” response to the US and its allies if military action was taken against the group, and a former US Central Command commander warned of a potential spiral of escalation. The attacks also led to disruptions in shipping routes, threatening to disrupt supply chains. The decision to conduct airstrikes was made despite fears from other countries in the region that it would only further escalate tensions.

Source .