President Joe Biden’s administration has faced sharp criticism for its decision to launch a military strike on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The attack, described as “long overdue” by security expert Admiral Mike Hewitt, comes after months of escalating tensions due to attacks on US forces and commercial shipping in the region.
Admiral Hewitt acknowledged the efficacy of the air strikes but condemned Biden and the Democrats for taking so long to act.
He told the Daily Express US: “The attack is effective in that it was long overdue after months of attacks on US forces in the region, as well as increased threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea.”
The strike targeted infrastructure, launch facilities, and command and control sites used by the Houthis in their attacks on both civilians and military shipping in the Red Sea.
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According to Admiral Hewitt, this action was necessary to address the growing threat posed by the Houthi rebels.
He added: “This attack was long overdue as our threats to the Iranian proxies were not backed up with action. The goal is to reestablish a deterrence strategy which has been weakened by the current administration.”
Admiral Hewitt highlighted the potential consequences of the strike, anticipating a retaliatory response from the Houthis, and suggested that the strike served a broader geopolitical purpose, putting pressure on Israel for a cease-fire in Gaza.
He said: “Houthis will undoubtedly strike back as they have little to lose and much to gain by repositioning themselves in negotiations with the Saudis, as well as the civil war in Yemen.
“This is also a strategy to put more pressure on Israel for a cease-fire in Gaza. This is one of the tactics in order to destroy Israel and push America out of the region.”
He continued: “The bombings in Yemen were directed at the infrastructure, launch facilities, and command and control sites used by the Houthis in their attacks on civilians and military shipping in the Red Sea.
“The Houthis are operating under the support and supervision of Iran.”
Critics of the Biden administration argue that the delayed action has allowed the situation to escalate, and the strike is seen as an attempt to salvage the weakened defense strategies.
The move is expected to have far-reaching implications not only on the situation in Yemen but also on the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
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