US and UK hint at military action after largest Houthi attack in Red Sea
The US and UK have suggested possible military action against the Houthi rebels of Yemen after intercepting their largest assault on Red Sea commerce.
On Tuesday, naval defenses downed 21 Houthi missiles and drones. A day later, the UN demanded a halt to Houthi attacks, affirming the right to protect vessels.
Mohammed Ali al-Houthi dismissed the UN resolution as a "political game," stating their aim is to hit ships with Israeli ties in retaliation for Israel's actions in Gaza. The resolution, backed by 11 countries with four abstentions, calls for an end to aggression disrupting global trade and regional stability.
US allies and the UK had previously warned of repercussions for Red Sea assaults. UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps vaguely indicated future action by stating, "Watch this space."
Rerouting is occurring, with 20% of the world's container traffic now avoiding the dangerous Red Sea passageway.
Houthi forces admitted striking a US support vessel for Israel, marking the 26th attack on commercial shipping in the area since November. The US military reported intercepting drones and missiles from the Houthis, with the aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower and four destroyers actively engaging the threats on Tuesday night.
Despite no reported casualties or ship damage, tensions are rising, with the Houthi spokesman threatening continued resistance, especially against Israeli-targeted trade. UN Secretary-General Guterres's spokesperson voiced deep concerns over potential trade, environmental, and conflict escalation impacts.
Meanwhile, the UK and allies' stance remains firm, with Secretary Shapps cautioning Iran and the Houthis about persistent threats to shipping, and may consider military responses if attacks persist.
This follows a collaborative initiative named "Operation Prosperity Guardian" by several nations to safeguard Red Sea shipping due to its significance for global trade.
Secretary of State Blinken, while cautious about revealing US military strategies, emphasized that the US had warned Houthis to stop their aggression during a regional visit. The continued Houthi rebellion raises concerns among global traders about the impact on fuel prices and supply chains.
The Houthi movement, known as Ansar Allah, began supporting Yemen's Zaidi Shia minority and seized control of the capital in 2014, leading to Saudi intervention in 2015 to support the Yemeni government.
The conflict has caused over 150,000 deaths and massive humanitarian needs. The US and Saudi Arabia allege Iran of arming Houthis in defiance of a UN embargo, which Iran denies.
Mohammed Ali al-Houthi dismissed the UN resolution as a "political game," stating their aim is to hit ships with Israeli ties in retaliation for Israel's actions in Gaza. The resolution, backed by 11 countries with four abstentions, calls for an end to aggression disrupting global trade and regional stability.
US allies and the UK had previously warned of repercussions for Red Sea assaults. UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps vaguely indicated future action by stating, "Watch this space."
Rerouting is occurring, with 20% of the world's container traffic now avoiding the dangerous Red Sea passageway.
Houthi forces admitted striking a US support vessel for Israel, marking the 26th attack on commercial shipping in the area since November. The US military reported intercepting drones and missiles from the Houthis, with the aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower and four destroyers actively engaging the threats on Tuesday night.
Despite no reported casualties or ship damage, tensions are rising, with the Houthi spokesman threatening continued resistance, especially against Israeli-targeted trade. UN Secretary-General Guterres's spokesperson voiced deep concerns over potential trade, environmental, and conflict escalation impacts.
Meanwhile, the UK and allies' stance remains firm, with Secretary Shapps cautioning Iran and the Houthis about persistent threats to shipping, and may consider military responses if attacks persist.
This follows a collaborative initiative named "Operation Prosperity Guardian" by several nations to safeguard Red Sea shipping due to its significance for global trade.
Secretary of State Blinken, while cautious about revealing US military strategies, emphasized that the US had warned Houthis to stop their aggression during a regional visit. The continued Houthi rebellion raises concerns among global traders about the impact on fuel prices and supply chains.
The Houthi movement, known as Ansar Allah, began supporting Yemen's Zaidi Shia minority and seized control of the capital in 2014, leading to Saudi intervention in 2015 to support the Yemeni government.
The conflict has caused over 150,000 deaths and massive humanitarian needs. The US and Saudi Arabia allege Iran of arming Houthis in defiance of a UN embargo, which Iran denies.