Title: Houthis Continue Attacks in Red Sea as US Response Is Criticized
In an ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon, the attention has recently shifted to the Houthis and their relentless attacks in the Red Sea. Amidst the escalating tensions, retired four-star general Jack Keane, former army vice chief of staff and News senior strategic analyst, shed light on the situation and criticized the current approach.
The Houthis, a Yemeni rebel group, have been carrying out frequent missile and rocket attacks in the Red Sea. The latest incident involved the launch of a large unmanned surface vessel loaded with explosives into a busy shipping area. Additionally, they launched another attack this morning, only to be intercepted by the US destroyer Laboon in international waters.
Despite multinational efforts to protect the shipping lanes, with 11 countries participating alongside the United States, the attacks persist. General Keane points out that the Houthis remain undeterred because their capabilities have not been significantly undermined. Their missile and rocket storage areas, launch batteries, radar systems, and command and control facilities are intact, allowing them to continue their offensive actions.
The impact of these attacks on the shipping lanes is profound. Approximately 50% of ships that previously traversed the Suez Canal are now circumnavigating Africa, including significant companies like Maersk, the world's largest shipping cargo company. This diversion reflects the shipping industry's lack of confidence in the existing multinational force's ability to effectively protect them against the Houthi threat.
General Keane makes an urgent call for a more aggressive approach to address the escalating attacks. He emphasizes that staying on the defense will not halt the Houthis, who continue to exploit the current reactive measures. Prompt and decisive action is necessary to disrupt their ability to carry out offensive operations.
Shifting focus to Iran, General Keane dismisses the notion that ISIS attacks on Iranian soil could distract or hinder Iran's belligerence. He emphasizes that Iran is engaged in a proxy war in the Middle East with two main objectives: driving the US military out of the region and weakening Israel by creating an atmosphere of fear. The appeasement strategy adopted by the current administration has proven ineffective, and a reevaluation of the approach is imperative.
On a separate note, General Keane comments on the hospitalization of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for a week without immediate awareness by the National Security Council or the press. While expressing his familiarity with Secretary Austin and their shared military background, the general does not provide further insights into the matter.
The situation in the Red Sea remains precarious as the Houthis persist in their attacks, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive and proactive response. With international shipping routes impacted and Iran's proxy war undermining stability in the Middle East, General Keane calls for a strategic reset to face these challenges head-on.
