In a recent defensive action, the United States, along with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, carried out strikes targeting Houthi missile, radar, and drone capabilities in the Red Sea. These strikes were in direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks that posed a threat to US personnel, civilians, and trade in the region. President Biden emphasized that the targeted strikes were a clear message that the United States and its partners would not tolerate attacks on their personnel or the obstruction of freedom of navigation in this critical commercial route.
The Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, stated that this coalition action was intended to convey to the Houthis that they would face further consequences if they persisted with their illegal attacks. The Houthis, who are well-trained and well-funded, have reportedly indicated their intention to retaliate. It is expected that their response may target US and commercial ships. The Biden administration has faced pressure to address the Houthi attacks, which have caused disruptions in global trade, considering that approximately 10% of commercial shipping passes through the Red Sea, amounting to tens of billions of dollars.
Although the strikes against Houthi capabilities were anticipated, some argue that the Houthi leadership had an opportunity to reposition their resources in preparation for the attacks. Critics contend that a mere tit-for-tat response from the United States is inadequate and that a more robust and disproportionate response is required to alter the Houthi's calculus. This perspective emphasizes the importance of dismantling the Houthi leadership as an effective means to quell the escalating attacks.
Iran emerges as a common denominator in the conflicts involving groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Concerns have been raised regarding whether the coalition, as well as the United States directly, should take action against Iran. However, there is hesitance to pursue this course of action out of fear that it could spark a wider regional conflict. Retired military personnel argue that targeting the Houthi leadership and an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, which they contend is serving as an intelligence asset aiding the Houthi attacks, would be viable options to exert pressure on the adversaries without escalating tensions significantly.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Houthis will respond to the strikes and whether the coalition, particularly the United States, will escalate its actions in dealing with the Houthi threat. Addressing the leadership of the Houthis and potentially targeting influential figures within Iran have been suggested as potential strategies to curb the ongoing conflict. The willingness of the Biden administration to undertake such actions, however, remains uncertain. The priority for the United States and its allies is to protect their personnel, secure freedom of navigation, and safeguard the crucial trade routes in the Red Sea.
