Escalating Tensions in Yemen: U.S. Airstrikes and Houthi Retaliation
The U.S. conducted airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, killing 53 and escalating tensions in the Red Sea. The Houthis retaliated, targeting U.S. naval forces. The UN warns of potential humanitarian crises, while oil prices are rising due to instability in the region.
Tensions in the Red Sea intensified as the United States performed a series of airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen over the weekend. These strikes were a response to ongoing Houthi attacks on military and commercial vessels in the region. The recent actions mark one of the most significant escalations in recent months, with both parties indicating their intent to increase military operations further.
The Houthis, a Zaydi Shi’ite group founded in Northern Yemen, have a history of conflict with the Yemeni government and Saudi Arabia. They control large portions of Yemen and have frequently targeted international shipping in the Red Sea. Citing solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israeli-Hamas conflict, the Houthis indicated their intention to resume assaults on Israeli vessels following a recent ceasefire.
The U.S. airstrikes on Saturday hit several sites, including the capital, Sanaa, and the Houthi stronghold of Saada province. According to reports from the Houthi-controlled Health Ministry, these attacks resulted in at least 53 fatalities, including five women and two children, with nearly 100 individuals injured. This represents the first direct military engagement by the U.S. against the Houthis under President Donald Trump’s second term.
In declaring his intentions, President Trump emphasized that his administration would apply “overwhelming lethal force” to halt Houthi threats. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced that military operations would persist until Houthi aggression against international shipping ceased, pointing to a shift to more assertive actions compared to previous policies.
In retaliation, Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi announced plans to escalate attacks, threatening missile and drone strikes against U.S. naval forces. The Houthis claimed to target the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, but U.S. defense officials reported that all incoming threats were intercepted before reaching their objectives.
The United Nations issued a cautionary statement regarding the potential humanitarian repercussions of these escalations in Yemen, one of the region’s poorest nations. The UN urged for restraint from all involved, advocating against actions that might significantly destabilize the country or worsen the humanitarian crisis.
Iran criticized U.S. military operations in both Yemen and Gaza, asserting that America should not dictate Iranian foreign policy. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi highlighted the extensive civilian casualties resulting from U.S. actions and urged for an end to the violence against Yemeni people.
The escalating conflict has also impacted global oil markets, with prices rising approximately 1 percent amid fears of disruptions in maritime trade routes. Brent crude reached $71.30 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude saw a surge to $67.90 per barrel. Continued military activity from both sides suggests an impasse in de-escalation efforts.
The recent wave of U.S. airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen has significantly escalated tensions in the region, resulting in numerous casualties and heightening fears of further conflict. The Houthis’ continued attacks on shipping, coupled with their threats of retaliation against U.S. forces, exemplify the ongoing instability. The United Nations has expressed concerns regarding the humanitarian impact of this violence, urging restraint from all parties involved. Additionally, the rising oil prices reflect the broader economic implications of this escalating conflict.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
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