In a series of escalating attacks between Israel and Hamas, concerns are arising that the conflict could reverberate into a larger and more widespread war in the Middle East. The situation took a chaotic turn on Tuesday as the U.S. Navy detected and intercepted numerous missiles and drones launched by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen over the Red Sea. This comes just a day after President Biden ordered strikes on another Iran-backed group in Iraq in retaliation for an attack that injured U.S. service members at Erbil Air Base.
The barrage of attacks over the Red Sea on Tuesday was met with swift action from the U.S. Navy, as a destroyer and fighter jets intercepted a total of 17 missiles and drones. Despite the recent establishment of a U.S. maritime task force aimed at enhancing security in the region, the Houthis have shown no signs of backing down.
The attacks carried out yesterday included 12 one-way attack drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles, and two land attack cruise missiles, marking a significant escalation in hostilities. The United States has borne the brunt of these attacks by successfully intercepting them. However, the ongoing security concerns have led many commercial ships to avoid transiting through the Southern Red Sea and the Suez Canal, leading to significant disruptions in international trade and commerce.
It is crucial to note that the Houthis are not acting alone. Declassified intelligence from the National Security Council reveals that the Iranians have been providing the Houthis with detailed tactical information, enabling them to target specific commercial vessels in the Southern Red Sea. The Iranians, while allowing the Houthis some autonomy in their operations, play a pivotal role in guiding their decision-making process. This support from Iran has not only aided the Houthis' attacks against maritime targets but also empowered them to launch assaults against Israel.
The United States has made its expectations clear to Iran, demanding that they rein in their proxy groups. Nevertheless, Iran has yet to heed this call, further exacerbating the volatile situation in the Middle East.
With the conflict between Israel and Hamas already causing immense destruction and casualties, the fear of regional escalation looms large. The international community anxiously watches as tensions rise and efforts to contain the violence face mounting challenges. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and whether diplomacy and intervention can avert a broader war in the Middle East.
