Ground attack carried out missile strikes on Yemeni territories controlled by the Iran-backed Houthis.
Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands provided support in planning and intelligence for the operation.
Washington underscored the potential recurrence of these strikes should the Houthi rebels persist in their endeavours to disrupt international shipping in the Red Sea.
“Last week, together with 13 allies and partners, we issued an unequivocal warning that Houthi rebels would bear the consequences if their attacks did not cease.
“Today’s defensive action follows this extensive diplomatic campaign and Houthi rebels’ escalating attacks against commercial vessels.
“These targeted strikes are a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical commercial routes.
“I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary,”
– President Joe Biden.
The recent missile strikes shed light on the persistent challenges faced by the coalition in countering Houthi’s attacks, particularly in securing civilian shipping navigating this economically crucial region.
The repercussions of Houthi rebels targeting vessels in the Red Sea have already become apparent, causing significant disruptions in the global supply chain.
Anticipated surges in freight prices and extended transit times are affecting the delivery schedules.
“Overnight, the Royal Air Force carried out strikes against two Houthi military facilities in Yemen. I want to be very clear that these were limited strikes, carefully targeted at launch sites for drones and ballistic missiles.
“Over recent months, the Houthi militia have repeatedly attacked commercial ships in the Red Sea… risking innocent lives and causing huge economic disruption.
“On 3rd January, 14 counties issued a clear warning that attacks must cease.
“Yet the attacks have continued. British and American warships have been targeted.
“That’s why we’ve taken this further, limited action today… in self defence, consistent with the UN Charter,”
– Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Despite coalition efforts to thwart attacks on ships in the Red Sea, the potential for even a single successful Houthi attack, for instance on a vessel transporting nuclear waste, could lead to catastrophic consequences for the region.
The Houthi leadership has made it evident that their struggle will persist, focusing on ships linked with Israel, while avoiding those associated with Iran and the so-called Russia’s shadow fleet.
Somewhat predictably, Moscow and Tehran have condemned the coalition assault.
This unfolding scenario was anticipated, given the Houthi movement’s role as a proxy army for Iran.
Iran’s close alliance with the Russian Federation in the latter’s attempts to destabilise global and Middle Eastern situations adds further complexity.
Dismantling Houthis positions without a ground operation poses significant challenges.
The Houthis, accustomed to attacks from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, had ample time to build their military facilities underground.
The Houthis anticipate support from Iran, including measures such as detaining ships in the Middle East to counter Western attacks, as demonstrated by the Iranian Navy seizing an American oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman waters yesterday.
The reactions of Iran and Russia to Coalition strikes are significant unknowns, leaving the world on the brink of a major regional conflict.
The global economic implications of such a conflict would be substantial, given the Red Sea’s vital role in world shipping.
The threat to safe navigation within this area poses a new, destructive crisis for the economies of many countries.
Disruptions in oil and gas supply, coupled with the likelihood of energy price increases, could further impede the world economy, aligning with the strategic plans of Vladimir Putin and Ayatollah Khamenei.
