Houthis Launch Missile Attacks on US and Israeli Positions
Houthi fighters (Getty Images)
Senate Republicans are taking action to designate the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen as a terrorist organization, following their recent missile attacks on a US warship. This move is seen as a significant escalation, according to the Washington Free Beacon.
Led by Senator Ted Cruz and six Republican colleagues, the legislation will reintroduce sanctions on the Houthis that were lifted in 2021 when the Biden administration removed them from the US terror list. The Houthis have been responsible for multiple missile attacks on US and Israeli positions in the past few weeks, including a recent strike on an American warship in the Gulf of Aden.
Previous attempts to impose sanctions on the Houthis did not succeed in the Democrat-controlled body. However, with the group now launching ballistic missile attacks on US forces, there is potential for bipartisan support in redesignating them as a terrorist group.
“The Biden administration’s decision to dismantle terrorism sanctions against the Houthis was a catastrophic mistake,” said Cruz. “As time goes on, it becomes increasingly clear that this decision was politically driven and has had severe consequences.”
The bill is cosponsored by Senators Tom Cotton, Roger Marshall, Thom Tillis, Bill Hagerty, John Barrasso, and Marco Rubio. Other Republicans are expected to join the effort as pressure mounts to address the Houthis’ aggression towards the US military.
Republicans have been pressuring the Biden administration to explain its lenient approach towards Iran, especially after Iran’s assistance to Hamas during the recent conflict with Israel. Critics argue that the administration’s weak sanctions policy and release of frozen funds to Iran will only support further violence against the US, Israel, and their allies.
Cruz’s bill aims to reclassify the Houthis as a US-designated terror group and reimpose sanctions on their funding, including support from Iran. It would also target key leaders of the group, such as Abdul Malik al-Houthi, Abd al-Khaliq Badr al-Din al-Houthi, and Abdullah Yahya al-Hakim.
Cruz believes that the Biden administration is hesitant to reapply sanctions due to its diplomatic efforts with Iran to revive the 2015 nuclear accord. He urges President Biden to stop enabling the Houthis and other Iran-backed terrorist groups through sanctions relief and non-enforcement, or else Congress should mandate such actions.
How have the missile attacks by the Houthi rebels affected American security interests?
Or numerous missile attacks in recent years, targeting not only US military positions but also Israeli installations.
The recent missile attacks on a US warship by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have sparked concern and outrage among Senate Republicans. These attacks, which pose a serious threat to American security interests, have prompted lawmakers to take action against the Houthis.
Led by Senator Ted Cruz and six Republican colleagues, a legislation has been introduced to designate the Houthis as a terrorist organization. This move is seen as a significant escalation in response to the ongoing missile attacks. The decision to reintroduce sanctions on the Houthis, which were previously lifted in 2021 by the Biden administration, reflects a growing recognition of the threat posed by this militant group.
The Houthi rebels have a long history of carrying out missile attacks on US and Israeli positions. They have repeatedly targeted US warships in the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, one of the busiest and most strategically important shipping lanes in the world. These attacks not only endanger the lives of American servicemen but also disrupt global trade and pose a threat to international security.
Furthermore, the Houthi rebels have also shown hostility towards Israel, launching missiles and rockets into Israeli territory. These attacks not only undermine regional stability but also pose a direct threat to Israeli civilians. The recent escalation in missile attacks by the Houthis has prompted Israel to increase its defenses and respond with retaliatory strikes.
Designating the Houthis as a terrorist organization is a necessary step to address the growing threat they pose. It will enable the US government to impose targeted sanctions on the group, restrict their access to resources, and disrupt their ability to carry out further attacks. This designation will also serve as a clear message to Iran, the main supporter of the Houthi rebels, that their destabilizing actions will not be tolerated.
In addition to the legislative efforts, the international community must come together to condemn these missile attacks and hold the Houthi rebels accountable for their actions. The United Nations should play a leading role in supporting a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen and ensuring stability in the region. The Houthis’ reckless behavior must be addressed through diplomatic efforts, while reaffirming the importance of respecting international law and ensuring the safety of all nations.
In conclusion, the recent missile attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels on US and Israeli positions have prompted Senate Republicans to take action. The legislation introduced to designate the Houthis as a terrorist organization is a significant escalation in response to these attacks. It reflects the growing concern over the threat posed by the Houthis and emphasizes the need for targeted sanctions and international condemnation. It is imperative for the international community to unite in addressing this issue and promoting peace and stability in the region.
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