U.S.-led forces conducted military strikes on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen this week, raising concerns about the potential escalation of the war in the Middle East. The coalition strikes were carried out in response to the Houthi attacks on international maritime vessels in the Red Sea, which have been ongoing for weeks. Yemen's strategic location at the opening to the Red Sea makes it a crucial shipping corridor, and the Houthi attacks aim to inflict economic pain on Israel's allies and increase pressure on Israel to cease its military offensive in Gaza.
The Houthi sect, backed by Iran, is a Shia political and military organization that has been engaged in a civil war against a coalition backed by Saudi Arabia since 2014. They currently control much of northern Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa. In February 2021, President Biden delisted the Houthis as a terrorist group and announced the end of U.S. support for the Saudi offensive in Yemen. However, following the recent attacks, President Biden referred to the Houthis as a terrorist group, regardless of their formal designation.
The extent of Iran's involvement in the conflict and its relationship with the Houthis remains unclear. While collaboration between the two is evident, especially in terms of weaponry supply, Iran seems to be avoiding direct involvement in the conflict. Tactical-level intelligence provided to the Houthis on the location of shipping in the Red Sea comes from an Iranian ship located in the region.
The current coalition, committed to containing Houthi aggression, has received support from the international community. A UN Security Council resolution was passed, demanding an immediate cessation of Houthi attacks and implicitly condemning Iran as their weapons supplier. However, Russia, China, Algeria, and Mozambique abstained from the vote.
The U.S. national security interest lies in defending its personnel and forces in the region and supporting freedom of navigation and commerce in the area. Attacks on shipping lanes have significant economic implications, including potential impacts on inflation. Protecting American citizens and forces and ensuring the prosperity of commerce are the primary concerns.
The military strikes targeting the Houthis' ability to attack shipping lanes have received support from some, who see them as necessary actions to safeguard international commerce. However, it remains to be seen whether deterrence can be achieved by coercion alone or if a more comprehensive approach will be needed to completely eliminate the Houthis' means of power projection.
This recent development also prompts a reassessment of the U.S. defense strategy, emphasizing the need for the capability and capacity to handle multiple regional contingencies simultaneously. With a decrease in combat air forces over the past 30 years and the increasing threats faced by the United States and its allies, preparations must be made to address these challenges effectively.
In summary, the military strikes by U.S.-led forces on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen reflect the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The attacks were a direct response to the Houthi aggression in the Red Sea, impacting international shipping and prompting concerns about the escalation of the war. The relationship between the Houthis and Iran remains uncertain, but collaboration is evident in terms of weapon supply. The international community, excluding some countries, supports efforts to contain Houthi attacks. The U.S. national security interest lies in defending personnel and forces, as well as ensuring freedom of navigation and commerce. The necessity and effectiveness of the military strikes and the broader implications of the conflict require careful consideration.
