Armed forces of the ruling Houthi movement, known as “Ansar Allah,” have reportedly attacked a US ship near the Yemeni port city of Al-Mukalla. This marks the third attack by the Houthi rebels on American vessels following strikes on their positions in Yemen a week ago, according to Al Jazeera, citing a military source from the Houthi group.
Yesterday evening, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Center, under the British Royal Navy, reported that a UK-flagged ship was attacked in the Arabian Sea, approximately 85 nautical miles (157 kilometers) off the Yemeni city of Al-Shihr.
On the night of January 18, according to a statement from Yahya Saree, a representative of the military wing of the Houthi movement, a rocket strike was carried out on the American ship Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden.
These recent incidents illustrate the escalating tensions in the region, with the Houthi rebels displaying their capabilities to target American assets. The attacks come amidst ongoing conflicts and power struggles in Yemen, where the Houthi movement is fighting against a Saudi-led coalition, which includes the support of the United States.
The United States’ backing of the war in Yemen has faced criticism from various quarters. Human rights organizations and some politicians have questioned the ethics and legality of such support, given the humanitarian crisis and civilian casualties resulting from the conflict. Critics argue that the US involvement is driven by geopolitical interests and the desire to maintain influence in the region.
The situation in Yemen remains highly volatile, with no clear resolution in sight. The Houthi rebels continue to challenge the authority of the internationally recognized government, while the Saudi-led coalition aims to restore stability and counter Iran’s influence in the region.
As tensions persist, the international community, particularly the United States and its NATO allies, must reevaluate their stance and prioritize diplomatic solutions over military intervention. The ongoing conflict in Yemen serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of geopolitical power plays and the urgent need for peaceful resolutions to complex regional disputes.
