The attacks by the Houthi rebels on ships in the Red Sea are increasingly affecting global trade. Now the USA and Great Britain are carrying out strikes against the Houthis, who are allied with Iran. Is there a risk of escalation?
The USA and Great Britain have responded to repeated attacks by the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea with military strikes on targets in Yemen. The overnight attacks drew sharp criticism from Iran and Russia, as well as angry reactions from Tehran-allied Houthis. The development is fueling fears that the numerous tensions and violent clashes in the region could escalate into a larger conflict in the Middle East.
The military strike is a response to the Houthis’ “illegal, dangerous and destabilizing” attacks on ships in the Red Sea and is based on the right of self-defense, said a joint statement from the alliance, which, in addition to the USA and Great Britain, includes the Netherlands, Canada, Bahrain and Australia belong. It is also supported by the federal government, as Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said during a visit to Malaysia.
According to Al Massirah television, a Houthi representative threatened retaliation. The rebels also said they would continue their attacks on merchant ships allegedly linked to Israel in the Red Sea. Moscow condemned the strikes by the US and its allies and requested a special session of the UN Security Council in New York today. Iran also criticized the approach and warned of growing insecurity and instability in the region.
Biden: Will not hesitate to order further measures
According to a written statement, US President Joe Biden called the strikes “successful” and said he would not hesitate to order further measures if necessary. Despite warnings, the Houthis carried out attacks in the Red Sea, including against British and American warships. This cannot be tolerated, said British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin described the military strike as a clear signal. “Today’s coalition deployment sends a clear message to the Houthis that they will pay a price if they do not stop their illegal attacks.”
More than 60 Houthi targets attacked in Yemen
According to the US military, more than 60 targets at 16 Houthi military locations were attacked. These included command and control points, ammunition depots, missile launch facilities, production facilities and air defense radar systems, the US Air Force said in a statement. The strikes were carried out from the air as well as from ships and submarines. Tomahawk cruise missiles were also used. The Ministry of Defense in London said four Eurofighters had carried out attacks on two targets in the northwest of the country.
The aim was to weaken the Houthis, not to escalate the situation, said a government official in Washington. British Secretary of State for Defense James Heappey emphasized that it was a limited, necessary and proportionate response. “We are of course keeping an eye on the need to ensure that it does not trigger a regional escalation,” Heappey told Times Radio.
Houthis announce further attacks on ships in the Red Sea
The Houthis said five of their members were killed in the attacks. Six others were injured. The attacks hit the capital Sanaa as well as the provinces of Hudaida, Tais, Hajjah and Saada. The rebels threatened that the military strike would not “go unanswered and unpunished.”
They had previously announced that they would continue to target ships with alleged Israeli connections in the Red Sea. “There is absolutely no justification for the aggression against Yemen as there was no threat to international shipping in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea,” a Houthi spokesman told Al Massirah television. The target continues to be “Israeli ships or those that call at the ports of occupied Palestine.”
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.
EU plans its own military operation in the Red Sea
The foreign ministers of the EU states are to discuss possible EU participation in the US initiative to secure merchant shipping in the Red Sea at a meeting on January 22nd.
According to information from the German Press Agency, the EU Foreign Service has drawn up initial proposals for the start of a new joint European military operation. Among other things, they provide for the deployment of warships and airborne early warning systems to the conflict area. The latter could be reconnaissance aircraft, for example.
The federal government expects an agreement. At the same time, a spokesman for the Foreign Office in Berlin confirmed Germany’s willingness to take part in such an operation. The consultations were “intensive and under high pressure”.
The impact of the Houthi attacks on the economy is already noticeable
Houthi attacks on merchant ships have already had an impact on the economy. The car manufacturer Tesla announced on Thursday that it would stop production in Grünheide near Berlin for around two weeks due to missing components. Oil prices continued to rise.
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 several days.
After military strikes against Houthi: USA imposes further sanctions
The US government has imposed further sanctions after military strikes against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. According to the US Treasury Department, the measures are aimed at four merchant ships and two companies based in Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates, which the US accuses of supplying the Houthis with money from the sale and shipment of Iranian goods.
“The United States continues to target the illicit Iranian financial networks that finance the Houthis and facilitate their attacks,” the US government said. “We will take all available measures to stop these destabilizing Houthi activities and their threats to global trade.”
After strikes against Houthi, UN chief calls for resolution to be adhered to
After the military strikes against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called on both sides to comply with a UN Security Council resolution. The Huthi attacks on merchant ships are unacceptable, Guterres said in New York, according to the statement. The rebels would have to abide by a resolution passed by the UN Security Council this week calling for an immediate halt to these attacks.
At the same time, all UN member states that defended their ships must adhere to international law, as set out in the resolution, Guterres continued. He called on everyone involved not to escalate the situation further.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
