Media reports
US and allies launch military strike against Houthis
Since the outbreak of the Gaza war, the Houthi rebels have repeatedly attacked ships in the Red Sea – like the cargo ship “Galaxy Leader” here. Now the USA and its allies are reacting (archive image). photo
© —/Houthi Military Media Center/dpa
The Houthi rebels in Yemen repeatedly attack merchant ships in the Red Sea. The sea route is immensely important for world trade. Now the USA and other allies are apparently reacting.
Since the Gaza war broke out between Israel and the Islamist Hamas, the Houthis have repeatedly attacked ships with alleged Israeli connections in the Red Sea. Large shipping companies are increasingly avoiding the route. The Houthis also repeatedly attack Israel directly with drones and rockets. There had recently been increasing signs of a reaction from the USA and its allies.
Great Britain and the USA had warned of consequences
In recent days, Britain’s Defense Secretary Grant Shapps has repeatedly warned of consequences if the attacks do not stop. According to media reports, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called his cabinet together for telephone consultations at short notice that evening. U.S. National Security Council Communications Director John Kirby warned that if the Houthis do not stop their attacks, they will face the consequences.
Around ten percent of all world trade passes through the Red Sea. The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean with the Red Sea, providing the shortest sea route between Asia and Europe. The alternative route around the South African Cape of Good Hope extends the transport by a few days.
The Shiite Houthi rebels have taken over large parts of Yemen’s north in their uprising that has been ongoing since 2014, and they also control the capital Sanaa. The rebels are supported by Shiite-majority Iran.
Major Houthi attack just a few days ago
Just a few days ago, the Houthis carried out a major attack using drones and missiles on ships in the Red Sea. As the responsible US regional command announced, 18 drones and three missiles were intercepted by US and British units.
“According to current knowledge, the attack was the most extensive attack by the Houthis on international shipping since mid-October,” said a spokesman for the Foreign Office in Berlin. “This attack and the other attacks, the ongoing attacks, show that the Houthis are clearly committed to escalation against international merchant shipping, as well as against the ships of our partners and allies in the region,” he said.