U.S. Military Intensifies Strikes Against Houthi Rebels in Yemen
U.S. military strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels have resumed after months of inactivity. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cited ongoing threats to Navy ships as justification. The operations started with a significant strike on multiple targets and are expected to continue for weeks. Pentagon officials note a shift in the decision-making process under the current administration, with a broader set of targets than previously engaged.
The U.S. military strikes targeting Yemen’s Houthi rebels have entered a sixth day without a clear explanation from the Pentagon regarding the cause for resuming military operations after an extended pause. Officials indicate that these operations may continue for several weeks, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the necessity of these strikes due to ongoing attacks on Navy vessels, stating that ships “haven’t been able to go through for over a year without being shot at.”
Pentagon officials noted that the last recorded Houthi attack occurred in December, well before the initiation of the current military actions, raising questions about the justification for the strikes. Hegseth highlighted incidents involving U.S. ships, including one that was reportedly fired upon multiple times; however, further details about these incidents remained scarce.
The recent escalation began in October 2023, when the USS Carney intercepted a missile barrage targeting Israel. Since then, Navy vessels have conducted numerous interceptions of missiles and drones, garnering several Combat Action Ribbons in recognition of their engagements.
In response to the outbreak of conflict in Gaza, the Houthis have explicitly stated their intent to target Israeli ships, while also attacking merchant vessels unrelated to Israel. As the situation evolves, Military.com has sought clarity from the White House regarding the underlying motivations for the renewed military campaign, but has yet to receive a comprehensive response.
The military intervention commenced with a substantial strike impacting over 30 targets, including facilities linked to terror activities and UAV operations, as detailed by Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich. Following the initial strikes, the number of targets engaged appears to have increased significantly.
Previous military actions against the Houthis were under the Biden administration; however, Grynkewich noted significant differences now, including the extent of target selection and expedited operational decision-making which could potentially reduce delays in military responses.
Officials anticipate that these military operations may continue for approximately one month, but specific strategic aims remain unclear. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that a “very clear end state” exists for the operation, while underscoring the Houthis’ ability to cease hostilities immediately, should they choose to do so.
The ongoing U.S. military strikes against the Houthi rebels reflect a renewed focus on addressing perceived threats to Navy shipping in the region, despite the relative calm prior to these operations. As the Obama and Trump administrations have conducted military campaigns against the Houthis, the current strikes are characterized by a broader scope and expedited command decisions. While officials predict continued military engagement for several weeks, the explicit objectives of these operations remain ambiguous.
Original Source: www.military.com
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