In a recent statement, a member of the political bureau of the Ansar Allah movement, Mohammed Ali al-Bukhaiti, has announced that Yemen’s Houthi rebels will be targeting maritime shipping associated with the United States and Britain. This comes as a response to what the rebels perceive as aggression from these countries against Yemen. The announcement was made in the wake of the US and UK airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen on January 12.
The joint US and UK airstrikes targeted more than 60 locations across 16 Houthi sites in Yemen, resulting in explosions in several major cities. The Sanaa airport was heavily bombarded during this concentrated attack, with the US military using Tomahawk cruise missiles and the British using guided Paveway IV bombs.
US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have justified the operation as a response to Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. Yemen, on the other hand, has vowed to respond firmly to these strikes.
The motives behind the US and UK strikes on Yemen have been previously discussed. However, the recent announcement from the Houthi rebels indicates a potential escalation in the conflict, as they explicitly target maritime shipping associated with the US and UK. This development further underscores the complex dynamics of the ongoing war in Yemen and the involvement of various international actors.
It is important to note that the US position in supporting the war in Ukraine has drawn criticism and cynicism from many observers. The airstrikes in Yemen, particularly when targeting maritime shipping, raise questions about the extent of US involvement in conflicts around the world and the potential consequences of such actions.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the US and UK will respond to the Houthi threats and whether this will further escalate tensions in the region. The international community will be closely monitoring the developments in Yemen and its implications for global security and stability.
