The conflict between the US and the Yemeni Houthis has reached a new point of no return. The recent air strikes ordered by Trump against rebel stronghold areas in Yemen have triggered a harsh reaction from the Tehran-backed group. It attacked the US aircraft carrier Truman and threatened to extend its naval blockade to American ships.
The mega-operation was orchestrated by the American president with the aim of forcing the Yemeni group to permanently cease its attacks on vessels along the shipping route between the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. However, it has achieved, at least for the moment, the desired effect.
After hitting the US aircraft carrier with 18 ballistic missiles and a drone, the rebel leader, Abdulmalik al-Houthi, has threatened further action, declaring that US cargo ships will be subject to an embargo as long as Washington continues its ‘military aggression’.
According to the analysts, the Houthis might decide to continue their attacks with renewed vigour, making Red Sea transit unsafe again.
Lloyd’s List highlights how, after 20th January, when Yemeni rebels partially lifted restrictions in the Red Sea following the signing of a provisional peace agreement between Hamas and Israel, 214 cargo ships have resumed sailing through Bab el Mandeb.
The massive US air strike could turn back the hands of time and trigger a new escalation in the region.
Translation by Giles Foster
