In a recent development, the United States military has conducted new strikes in Yemen and Iraq, targeting Houthi antiship missiles and facilities linked to Iran-backed armed groups. These strikes come in response to the missile and drone attacks on US troops in Iraq and Syria. The attacks in Yemen, which took place on Wednesday at 2:30 am, are aimed at curbing the activities of the Iran-aligned group that has been targeting shipping in the Red Sea.
According to the military’s Central Command, the US forces identified the missiles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined that they posed an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region. As a result, two missiles were destroyed in self-defense. The Houthis, who control the most populous parts of Yemen and support Hamas, claim that their attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians amidst Israel’s ongoing bombardment of the Gaza Strip.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on social media that they had successfully destroyed two Houthi terrorists’ anti-ship missiles. This move comes as part of the ongoing efforts to neutralize the Houthi threat in the Southern Red Sea region.
Since January 11, the US and its allies have been targeting Houthi military sites, resulting in the destruction or degradation of more than 25 missile launch and deployment facilities, as well as over 20 missiles. Additionally, drones, coastal radar, air surveillance capabilities, and weapons storage areas have been targeted.
In a separate operation, the US also targeted sites used by Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq. This action comes in response to the recent attack on US troops in the country. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that the strikes were necessary and proportionate, directly responding to the escalatory attacks against US and coalition personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-sponsored militias.
The precision strikes targeted three facilities used by the Iranian-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia group and other Iran-affiliated groups in Iraq. However, these strikes have drawn criticism from Iraqi officials, who view them as a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and a destabilizing factor in the region. Iraqi sources reported casualties in Jurf al-Sakhar and the al-Qaim area.
Major General Yahya Rasool, speaking on behalf of the Iraqi army, condemned the US attack and stated that it undermines security and stability in the country. Qasim al-Araji, Iraq’s national security adviser, called for a halt to the offensive in Gaza instead of targeting Iraqi national bodies.
Amidst these developments, the US has sought China’s assistance in urging Iran to rein in the Houthi rebels. However, little progress has been observed, with US officials claiming that China’s efforts have been limited. Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised the issue with his Chinese counterpart, but there has been minimal evidence of China pressuring Iran to restrain the Houthis.
In conclusion, the US military’s recent strikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen and Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq reflect ongoing efforts to counter the threats posed by these groups. While the strikes have been seen as necessary for self-defense and protecting US interests in the region, they have drawn criticism for their impact on regional stability and sovereignty. The involvement of China in curbing the Houthi activities has been limited, adding further complexity to the situation.
