US Launches Swift Retaliation on Houthi, Targets 36 Locations with Support from 6 Allied Nations
On February 3rd, Saturday, Modi, along with teams from the United States and Britain, launched an attack on Yemen. According to the BBC, the military launched strikes on rebel-held expanses under the pretext of retaking control. The U.S. Air Force was informed to carry out attacks on 36 locations, including sites related to the gathering of weapons, missiles, air defense systems, and radar.
Continuous Naval Assaults in the Red Sea
In reality, Houthi rebels are consistently targeting ships in the Red Sea. Both America and Britain are engaging in operations against them. This marks the third joint operation between the two nations. Previously, on January 28th and 11th, America and Britain had attacked Yemen. Since January 11th, America has targeted rebel positions in Yemen repeatedly.
Australia and Canada Join the Offensive
According to Reuters, during the recent attacks in Yemen, forces from the U.S. and UK were joined by teams from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands. Attacks in Yemen targeted the cities of Sanaa, Sadaa, and Dhamar, as well as airports, planes, and submarines in Hodeidah.
Disruption of Global Trade Routes
It’s essential to halt the rebel assaults to prevent disruption of maritime trade routes. America and Britain have announced that due to attacks by Houthi rebels, approximately 2,000 ships had to change their routes in the Red Sea.
Impact on India due to Attacks
On December 23, 2023, MV Sai Baba, an Indian vessel, was attacked in the Red Sea. It was carrying an Indian crew of 25 and flying the flag of the African nation Gabon. Following this attack, India deployed five warships to secure its trade routes. Earlier, on December 19, a cargo ship, the Galaxy Leader, was hijacked in the Red Sea by pirates masquerading as Israeli vessels.
Concerns over Maritime Security
Professor Arun Kumar expresses concerns about this being the first time the international community is worried about the security of maritime trade routes. Countries like the U.S., China, and India are coming together. About 80% of India’s trade occurs through maritime routes, and 90% of its oil imports also come through these routes. Any attack on these routes will significantly impact India’s trade, disrupting the entire supply chain.
Who is the Houthi Rebel?
The civil war in Yemen began in 2014, stemming from the Shia-Sunni conflict. According to the Carnegie Middle East Center, tensions between communities that began during the Arab Spring in 2011 escalated into the civil war. In 2014, Houthi rebels confronted the Sunni government, triggering the conflict.
The government, led by President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, took office after former President Ali Abdullah Saleh was forced out in February 2012, following the Arab Spring protests. Hadi, who had been in power for an extended period, faced resistance within the country to bring stability. Additionally, the military divided, and separatist Houthi factions united in the south.
Iran and Saudi Arabia, both regional powerhouses, intervened in this civil war. Iran, supporting Shia-led factions, backed Houthi rebels, while the government received support from Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia.
Identified as Houthi rebels, known for their insurgency tactics, they seized control of significant parts of the country. By 2015, the situation had escalated to the point where the rebels effectively controlled the entire government.
