Tensions in Yemen: US strikes Houthi rebels again
On Saturday morning, the United States carried out a new strike against Houthi forces in Yemen, in response to the latter’s threats against maritime traffic in the Red Sea. The bombings targeted at least one site in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.
This strike comes after a series of Houthi attacks targeting maritime traffic in solidarity with the Gaza Strip, in the context of the war between Israel and Hamas. The United States, along with the United Kingdom, had previously carried out bombings on Houthi-held military sites in Sanaa and other parts of Yemen.
President Joe Biden’s administration called the operation “defensive” aimed at protecting international trade. Tensions between the Houthis and the United States are particularly high, raising fears of a regional spillover of the conflict in Gaza.
The Houthi movement is supported by Iran and is part of the “axis of resistance” which brings together groups hostile to Israel in the region, such as Lebanese Hezbollah and armed groups in Iraq and Syria.
In response to the American and British strikes, the Houthis threatened to attack the interests of these two countries, now considering them as “legitimate targets”. However, no ships were hit by a missile fired by the Houthis before the Saturday morning strike.
The UN has called on all parties concerned to avoid escalation, with the aim of preserving peace and stability in the Red Sea and the region as a whole.
The situation in Yemen remains tense, with regular clashes between Houthi forces and pro-government forces, as well as attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. The international community continues to closely monitor the evolution of this crisis and seeks solutions to achieve lasting peace in the region.