AL-MUKALLA, Yemen: The US military has intercepted and destroyed multiple Houthi-launched drones, remotely operated boats, and ballistic missiles targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea. This escalation in defensive measures underscores the ongoing threat posed by the Houthis to international maritime security and broader regional stability.
The US Central Command reported on Tuesday that its forces neutralized three drones fired from Yemen, another drone from Houthi-controlled territory, a drone boat, and an anti-ship ballistic missile in the Red Sea. These attacks were identified as imminent threats to both US and coalition forces, as well as commercial vessels in the area. The US Central Command emphasized that these hostile actions by the Iranian-backed Houthis continue to undermine regional security.
The Houthis, while not immediately claiming responsibility for these latest incidents, have a history of targeting ships in the region. Recently, they targeted the Liberian-flagged cargo freighter Groton in the Gulf of Aden, alleging that the ship’s parent company had violated their ban on travel to Israeli ports.
Since November, Houthi forces have seized a commercial ship, sunk two others, and launched numerous missile, drone, and drone boat attacks on international shipping lanes. These actions are in retaliation against injustices by Israel and in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
In a political development, Rashad Al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, announced the reversal of economic sanctions against banks in Sanaa as part of a UN-brokered agreement with the Houthis.
This agreement lifts sanctions and allows increased flights from Sanaa airport to Jordan, Egypt, and India. Al-Alimi explained that this decision was made to prioritize the interests of the Yemeni people, despite previous strong pledges to penalize banks in Sanaa that refused to relocate their headquarters to the government-controlled Aden.
Al-Alimi confirmed the Yemeni government’s acceptance of a UN-brokered peace plan to end the war in Yemen and praised the Saudi-led Coalition for their assistance in liberating Yemeni regions from Houthi control. He stated that the next step towards peace rests with the Houthis, who continue to resist the proposed roadmap.
The U.S. military’s actions aim to secure maritime routes and deter further aggression, while diplomatic efforts seek to resolve the conflict in Yemen. The situation remains volatile, with significant regional and international implications for security and stability.
These developments also highlight the financial and economic impacts of the conflict. The reversal of economic sanctions and the reopening of air routes are critical for Yemen’s struggling economy. The UN-brokered agreements aim to alleviate some of the economic pressures faced by Yemenis, promoting stability and economic recovery.
