Biden’s predicament: Deterring the Houthis is challenging as they seek confrontation
Another Strike, Same Result: U.S.-Owned Tanker Ship Targeted by Houthi Missiles
Thursday in the Red Sea was yet another day of danger for a U.S.-owned tanker ship. This marked the third attack this week, coming just hours after the fifth U.S. strike on missiles in Houthi-controlled Yemen. The strikes were aimed at preventing missile launches into the Southern Red Sea.
The U.S. Central Command reported that two Houthi anti-ship missiles were destroyed in the strikes, but one missile narrowly missed the M/V Chem Ranger, a U.S.-owned tanker ship operated by a Greek company. The crew witnessed the missiles hitting the water near the ship, but fortunately, no injuries or damage were reported. The ship has since continued its journey.
President Joe Biden, when asked about the effectiveness of the airstrikes, acknowledged that the Houthis show no signs of stopping. He stated that while the strikes have not halted the Houthis, they will continue to be carried out.
Sabrina Singh, deputy press secretary at the Pentagon, clarified that the U.S. never expected an immediate cessation of Houthi attacks. However, she emphasized that it is in the Houthis’ best interest to stop. Singh highlighted the significant degradation and disruption of Houthi capabilities achieved through the recent strikes. Ultimately, it is up to the Houthis to decide when they want to cease their attacks on commercial shipping and innocent mariners in the Red Sea.
John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council, emphasized that each strike weakens the Houthis’ capabilities and makes it more difficult for them to carry out further attacks. He stated that the Houthis have a choice to make and should opt to end their reckless assaults. If they refuse, the U.S. has additional options available and will not hesitate to use them.
‘Laid the Bait’: Houthis Undeterred by U.S. Strikes or Terrorist Designation
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley criticized President Biden’s approach to Iran, blaming his reluctance to confront the country for emboldening the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen. Haley argued that Biden’s decisions, such as lifting sanctions on Iran and removing the terrorist label from the Houthis, have contributed to the current situation.
The Houthis claim that their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea are in support of Hamas and Palestinians in Gaza, who are facing Israeli aggression. However, observers believe that the Houthis also aim to fuel anti-American and anti-Israel sentiment among their supporters in Yemen.
Vivian Nereim, Gulf bureau chief for the New York Times, explained that the Houthis are eager to be seen as engaged in a war with the U.S. and Israel. She noted that the Houthis have made it clear they have no intention of stopping and have even expressed a preference for direct conflict with the United States.
Despite the Houthis’ claims, their actions extend beyond their stated objectives. The Pentagon highlighted that the Houthis have attacked vessels from over 50 nations, including China and Russia, which have no connection to the events in Israel and Gaza.
The Houthis’ motivation to continue fighting stems from the fact that it is easier for them to wage war than to govern a country devastated by years of conflict. Ceasing their attacks would leave them in a challenging position, forcing them to figure out how to govern effectively.
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What are the economic consequences of any disruption of maritime trade in the Red Sea, and how can nations prioritize the safety and security of commercial shipping in the region
Out future attacks. He stated that the U.S. will continue to defend its interests and protect its allies in the region.
The repeated attacks on U.S.-owned tanker ships raise concerns about the ongoing conflict in Yemen and the dangerous environment in the Red Sea. The Houthi rebels, who control a significant portion of Yemen, have been launching missiles and drones targeting commercial ships and oil facilities.
These attacks not only pose a threat to the security of maritime trade but also endanger the lives of innocent seafarers. The international community has repeatedly condemned such acts of aggression and called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen.
The United States, along with its allies, has been actively engaged in efforts to deescalate the situation and bring all parties to the negotiation table. However, the recent attacks show that the Houthi rebels are not willing to abide by any ceasefire agreements or diplomatic initiatives.
The U.S. airstrikes on Houthi missile sites are aimed at deterring further attacks and protecting commercial shipping in the region. While they have not completely stopped the Houthi aggression, they have significantly weakened their capabilities.
It is crucial for the international community to support these efforts and put pressure on the Houthi rebels to cease their attacks. The targeting of civilian ships and infrastructure is a violation of international law and cannot be tolerated.
The safety and security of commercial shipping in the Red Sea should be a priority for all nations. Any disruption of maritime trade can have severe economic consequences and impact global supply chains.
In addition to military action, diplomatic efforts must continue to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Yemen. It is essential to address the root causes of the conflict and address the grievances of all parties involved.
The United States and its allies remain committed to ensuring the safety of maritime trade and protecting innocent lives. The repeated attacks on U.S.-owned tanker ships underline the need for a comprehensive and lasting solution to the conflict in Yemen.
In conclusion, the recent attack on the U.S.-owned tanker ship in the Red Sea highlights the ongoing threat posed by Houthi rebels in Yemen. While the U.S. airstrikes have not completely halted the attacks, they have significantly weakened Houthi capabilities. The international community must continue to support efforts to protect commercial shipping and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen.
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