The US’s operations against Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen may be “failing” to deter them from attacking international shipping, according to the top US commander in the Middle East. General Michael Erik Kurilla suggested that the US should take a more forceful approach against the Houthis. This comes amid fears that Red Sea tensions could draw in Russia, with US intelligence agencies having learned that Russian President Vladimir Putin has considered arming Yemen’s Houthis with anti-ship cruise missiles.
Russia’s deliberations to step up its involvement adds a new dimension to the conflict in the region. Moscow is upset with US and European military support for Ukraine, with Putin stating last month that Russia is considering providing long-range missiles to third countries to hit the assets of NATO countries. This connection between Russia’s war on Ukraine and the Red Sea was noted by General Frank Mckenzie, the retired commander of US Central Command.
However, aiding the Houthis is not straightforward for Moscow, as it enjoys good ties with Sunni Gulf monarchies and Iran, the Houthis’ main foreign backer. Saudi Arabia and the UAE launched a campaign against the Houthis after Yemen descended into civil war in 2014, amid concerns a Houthi takeover of Yemen would install Tehran’s partners at their borders.
Since 2022, an uneasy truce has held between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces, but Gulf states are alarmed about rising tensions in the Red Sea. The attacks have upended global trade, forcing shipping companies plying goods between Europe and Asia to take a circuitous route around Africa to avoid Houthi attacks.
The US began striking Houthi positions in response to their attacks in January. However, former senior US officials who spoke to MEE said that within defense circles, there have been complaints that the Biden administration has restricted the US’s ability to hit the Houthis. Kurilla warned that “US service members will die if we continue going this way”, as he argued for a more forceful response to Houthi attacks.
