US Houthis Policy:
President Joe Biden commits to ongoing strikes against Yemen’s Houthis. Despite acknowledging military action’s failure to stop attacks on commercial shipping, Biden pledges to continue. The fifth round of strikes targeted Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.
US Central Command Announcement:
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the destruction of two anti-ship missiles. The action was taken in response to the missiles being identified as an “imminent threat” to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region. The statement emphasized the necessity of neutralizing the potential danger posed by these missiles.
Effectiveness of Strikes:
When questioned about the effectiveness of strikes against the Houthis, President Biden admitted they haven’t halted attacks on international shipping. Biden clarified that while the strikes aren’t stopping the Houthis, they will continue.
Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh stated in a briefing that the decision to stop attacks lies with the Houthis.
Singh emphasized that immediate cessation was never guaranteed, but it would be in the Houthis’ “best interests” to halt the attacks.
Destruction of Houthi Capabilities:
We’ve successfully degraded, disrupted, and destroyed many of their capabilities since Thursday,” remarked a spokesperson. The spokesperson emphasized that the decision to cease interrupting commercial shipping lies with the targeted group. The focus is on the group’s choice to stop affecting innocent mariners in the Red Sea.
US Self Defense:
Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh clarified that the US doesn’t consider itself at war with the Houthis. The actions taken are deemed as self-defense measures.
Singh expressed the desire to avoid a regional war, placing responsibility on the Houthis for launching attacks on innocent mariners and commercial vessels in a vital global commerce area.
In response, the Houthis claimed a missile attack on the US ship Chem Ranger in the Gulf of Aden, with CENTCOM confirming two missile launches that missed their target.
Attacks by Hothi’s:
The Iran-backed Houthis, supporting Palestinians in Gaza, have repeatedly attacked cargo ships in the Red Sea. These attacks are aimed at expressing solidarity with Palestinians facing Israeli bombardment.
Since seizing the Israeli-linked Galaxy Leader vessel in November, the group has targeted over two dozen vessels in the Red Sea.
Implication of Attack on Global Trade:
Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have compelled major shipping operators to reroute their vessels around the southern tip of Africa.This disruption has significantly impacted global trade.
To safeguard commercial vessels from drone and missile threats in the waterway, the US and its partners initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian last month.
