US Strikes Houthi Targets in Yemen Amid Red Sea Shipping Disruptions

In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the United States launched airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen on Friday. The military action comes in response to the Houthis' continued attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, which have disrupted global trade routes and spiked shipping costs.

The Houthis, backed by Iran, have intensified their assaults on ships in the Red Sea since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October. The group claims to be targeting vessels linked to Israel, but many of the affected ships have no connection to the conflict.

The U.S. strikes targeted Houthi radar installations, drone storage facilities, and missile launch sites. President Biden stated that the action was necessary to protect international shipping lanes and prevent further economic disruption. However, the Houthis have vowed to retaliate, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

The Red Sea attacks have led to a significant increase in shipping costs, with many companies rerouting their vessels around the longer and more expensive Cape of Good Hope route. This has contributed to rising inflation and supply chain issues worldwide.

• Houthis
• Red Sea
• United States
• Yemen

Detailed

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Related issues news

Why did we airstrike Yemen?

US President Joe Biden ordered the strikes, and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak convened his cabinet to authorize British participation. American officials said the strikes were intended to degrade Houthi capabilities to attack Red Sea targets rather than to kill leaders and Iranian trainers.

Why is the United States attacking Yemen?

According to the US Central Command, the attacks mark the beginning of an extensive operation, aiming to restore security in the Red Sea, which had been disrupted for months by Houthi attacks on commercial and military vessels.

What are Houthi rebels?

The Houthi insurgency, also known as the Houthi rebellion, the Sa'dah Wars, or the Sa'dah conflict, was a military rebellion pitting Zaidi Shia Houthis (though the movement also includes Sunnis) against the Yemeni military that began in Northern Yemen and has since escalated into a full-scale civil war.

Why was there war in Yemen?

Beginning of the conflict In January 2015, unhappy with a proposal to split the country into six federal regions, Houthi fighters seized the presidential compound in Sanaa. The power play prompted the resignation of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi and his ministers.