Conflict involving the US and UK has flared up in Yemen, with both countries launching airstrikes overnight.
The Iran-backed militia group, the Houthis, have been targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea, since the Israel-Gaza conflict in October. Last night, British and American forces attacked various spots in Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen, killing a minimum of five fighters.
Exactly how severe the damage was is uncertain. However, the Houthis claim at least five locations, including air sites, were attacked. According to Britain’s Ministry of Defence, their hits targeted an area in Bani reportedly used by the Houthis for drone launchings, as well a missile-launch site in Abbs.
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After the attacks, Houthi leaders have pledged to retaliate. Official from the Foreign Ministry, Hussein al-Ezzi warns: “America and Britain will undoubtedly have to prepare to pay a heavy price and bear all the dire consequences of this blatant aggression.” In addition, the group’s military spokesman assures that the Houthis will continue to disrupt ship passage in the Red Sea as well as the Arabian Sea.
James Heappey, Armed Forces Minister, asserts that there are no further strikes or military actions planned at present, noting the government recognises the importance of de-escalation in the region.
Why are the Houthis attacking shipping?
The Houthis, an Iran-backed group who are enemies of Israel, have been reacting to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Their attacks have increased recently and are causing havoc on international maritime trade.
Who are the Houthis?
The Houthis are a rebel Shia Muslim group. They took control of Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, in 2014, which started a brutal civil war. The Houthis are supported by Iran and are used by Tehran to fight against the Saudis and other foes. It’s believed they’ve been trained by Iranian groups and Lebanese Hezbollah, who are also trained by Iran.
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What does the rest of the region think?
While most of the region has spoken out about Israel’s attacks on Hamas, they want the conflict to stay contained as it’s bad for the world economy. Houthi shipping attacks have cut container transportation via the Suez Canal by more than half. Even Iran might be trying to calm Houthi aggression, although it uses proxies like the Yemen-based group, Hamas and Hezbollah to spread violence.
Where is Yemen?
Yemen is the poorest country in the Middle East and is suffering from famine. It’s bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north, the Red Sea to the West, the Gulf of Aden to the south and Oman to the east. The country has been torn apart by civil war, Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia- acting as a proxy for Iran and has Islamic State and al-Qaeda affiliates throughout.
Why is the UK the only European country joining the US in attacks?
The UK has a long history of working with the US on complex operations. Despite this, there are claims Italy declined to join due to slow parliamentary approval processes.
Is this not Israel’s problem?
Despite Houthi attacks being caused by the war in Gaza, they impact western countries. The Houthis claim to target Israeli ships, but their attacks have been indiscriminate. This decision was difficult but unavoidable, yet it risks drawing the UK into a wider Middle East conflict.
Why did it happen so quickly?
In the short-term, the US and UK are keen to halt Houthi missile attacks on shipping. One missile hit could trigger a much larger escalation. Despite the risk of escalating the situation, doing nothing was not an option. Military planners may have targets in reserve for future escalations if the Houthis react, while diplomatic talks continue in the background.
The UK likely had to support the US in this mission. As the primary military partner for the US, and given the complexity of the mission, training between UK and US crews would have been crucial. Despite recent Tory defence cuts, the UK remains relevant to the world’s biggest military power.
The narrative of these strikes could be twisted by extremist Islamic groups to support their belief that the West is attacking another Muslim country. This also highlights our backing for Israel’s right to self-defence, despite serious worries about civilian casualties. Diplomats will be working non-stop to soothe the situation, but this might increase the risk of terrorism in the UK. The Houthi attacks on shipping needed a response, but the fallout could drag the UK into a broader Middle Eastern conflict – and alarmingly, even further. The world seems to be picking sides, with Russia, China, Iran loosely aligning against NATO.
Will peace in Gaza put an end to this?
It depends on what peace in Gaza looks like, but it’s doubtful. It will take many years to rebuild the Strip, but the horrific death and injury toll will leave lasting scars on people’s memories. If the conflict spreads further into the region, which it already has, it could escalate and old divisions could flare up again. It’s hard to predict, but there’s a real danger of a much larger war breaking out, forcing countries to pick sides.
Why are they targeting Western shipping?
Houthis launched missile attacks against Israel soon after the October 7 Hamas assault on southern Israel and announced it was “in support of our oppressed brothers in Palestine,.” They vowed to continue the attacks until Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza stopped.
The 2011 Arab Spring sent shock waves of violent insurrection throughout the Middle East and trouble in Yemen forced Yemeni ruler Ali Abdullah Saleh to step down after 30 years. He was replaced by President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, under an agreement brokered by the US. The Houthis objected and in 2014 toppled Hadi’s government. Saudi Arabia stepped in, backing Hadi, in 2015 and Britain has, along with others, sold weapons to the Saudis. Yemen has descended into brutal civil war with a mass humanitarian nightmare and accusations of bombing atrocities by the Saudis. The UK has been accused of being complicit since some weapons used come from the UK.
