Donald Trump celebrated a successful U.S. drone strike against Houthi forces in Yemen, sharing the footage on his platform. Despite ongoing U.S. military efforts, the Houthis have escalated attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, threatening global shipping routes. A coalition operation aimed to curb these attacks but has yet to succeed, highlighting the complex dynamics of Iranian influence and Houthi resilience.
Recently, former President Donald Trump expressed his approval of a drone strike by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) against Houthi forces in Yemen. He shared a video of the drone strike on his Truth Social platform, emphasizing that the Houthis, who were preparing an attack, had been neutralized. Trump jubilantly declared, “Oops, there will be no attack by these Houthis! They will never sink our ships again!”
The drone strike video captures the moment a group of Houthis was targeted, leading to a significant explosion. After the smoke cleared, the only remnants visible were two trucks, indicating a devastating impact on the group. While the exact timing of the strike remains unclear, the United States has been striving to dismantle Houthi operations since the Biden administration commenced efforts.
In recent months, the Houthis escalated missile and drone attacks against Western vessels in the Red Sea, responding to conflicts in Gaza. These actions have significantly hindered commercial shipping through the Suez Canal, a crucial maritime route that used to handle 30 percent of global container traffic. As a result, vessels en route to Western Europe must navigate around the African continent, extending voyage durations by up to two weeks.
Despite intermittent strikes on Houthi positions for over a year, the U.S. has struggled to counter the group’s threats to global shipping. In December 2023, the Biden administration initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian, forming a coalition of Western militaries, including the U.S., UK, Canada, and France, aimed at intercepting Houthi attacks. The coalition was designed to restore safety in vital maritime routes, yet the Houthis continued their aggressive campaigns.
By January 2024, the U.S. and UK launched direct strikes against Houthi military targets seeking to enforce compliance. However, a year later, Red Sea shipping lanes remain insecure, with traffic through the Suez Canal dropping by 50 percent since late 2023. No U.S.-flagged commercial ship has successfully traversed this route in over a year, while the Houthis have established alliances with Russian and Chinese shipping operators.
The Houthis’ capacity to disrupt global shipping is attributed to the adaptability and affordability of their operations, with drones costing approximately $2,000 per unit. These operations necessitate minimal military infrastructure and can be executed by small teams. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that attacks would persist until the Houthis cease their maritime offensive.
Trump reiterated warnings against Houthi hostilities, insisting that continued aggression would lead to severe consequences. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi, however, responded defiantly, asserting that attacks on U.S. Navy vessels would persist as long as military actions against Yemen continued.
In a related commentary, Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the influence of Iranian support on Houthi capabilities, indicating that U.S. strikes serve as a caution to Iran against supporting such activities. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard commander stated that the Houthis operate independently, warning of repercussions if threats against them are executed.
In conclusion, the ongoing conflict involving the Houthis significantly impacts global shipping and U.S. military operations. Despite previous measures and operations, the threat from the Houthis persists, compounded by Iranian support. Both U.S. and coalition efforts seek to maintain navigational freedoms in critical waterways, but continued hostilities indicate a protracted struggle ahead. The situation remains in flux, and international shipping routes are closely monitored as responses evolve.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
