The risk of escalation is becoming increasingly real. The USA and the UK launched an attack on Yemen and hit the capital Sanaa and other cities. The target is the Houthis, a Shiite group supported by Iran. This is a response to attacks on commercial ships passing through the Red Sea, through which 12 percent of world trade passes. Another front in the endless war in Gaza: In fact, the militias defied a warning not to block international trade across the Red Sea, a key route between Europe and Asia, to support the Palestinian cause. Iran seized an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman in retaliation.
There is participation from some US and UK allies, including the Netherlands, Australia, Canada and Bahrain, who are expected to provide logistics, intelligence and other support. Attacks announced CNNIt was carried out especially with warplanes and Tomahawk missiles. More than a dozen Houthi targets were hit by missiles launched from air, land and sea (by the submarine USS Florida) and were chosen to weaken the Houthis’ ability to attack ships in the Red Sea. Houthi officials warned that the US and UK would “pay a heavy price” for this “blatant aggression”. Tehran also strongly condemned the “violation of Yemen’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
What’s happening in Yemen
US President Joe Biden stated in a memo that “attacks on a number of targets in Yemen are being used by Houthi rebels to endanger freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most vital waterways” and declared that he “will not hesitate to take further action.” “To protect our people and, where necessary, the free flow of international trade.”
“Biden emphasizes that these attacks are in direct response to the Houthis’ unprecedented attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time in history. These attacks have endangered US personnel, civilian sailors, and our civilian partners, commerce, and navigation.” freedom is threatened. More than 50 countries have been affected by 27 attacks on international commercial shipping. Crews from more than 20 countries have been threatened or taken hostage in acts of piracy. More than 2,000 ships have diverted thousands of kilometers to avoid the Red Sea. “It could also cause product shipping delays of weeks. And on January 9, the Houthis launched their largest attack to date, directly targeting American ships.”
“Defending international shipping”
“The international community’s response to these reckless attacks has been united and determined – he continues – the United States last month launched Operation Prosperity Guardian, a coalition of more than 20 countries committed to defending international shipping and deterring Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. It also countered Houthi threats.” We joined more than 40 countries in condemning it. Last week, along with 13 of our allies and partners, we issued a clear warning that Houthi rebels would face consequences if their attacks are not stopped. And yesterday, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution calling on the Houthis to end attacks on commercial and commercial shipping. approved the decision.”
“Today’s defensive action follows this extensive diplomatic campaign and increasing attacks by Houthi rebels against commercial shipping. These targeted attacks send a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to jeopardize freedom of navigation. The US president said It is one of the most critical trade routes in the world,” he concludes.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that the attacks that took place during these hours were “a limited, necessary and proportionate action in self-defense.” It was reported that the attacks took place not only in the capital Sanaa, but also in the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, Dhamar and the Houthis’ northwestern stronghold of Saada. In fact, at the beginning of 2024The Houthis control most of Yemen.
Because attacks will not easily deter the Houthis.
According to journalist Frank Gardner BBC expert on subjects Security, USA and UK We hope that night air strikes on Houthi targets will deter them from further unprovoked attacks on global shipping: “But it doesn’t seem possible. Armed, trained and provided with intelligence by Iran, the Houthis have managed to successfully portray themselves as defenders of Hamas and the Palestinians and enemies of Israel, which fits well with popular Arab opinion. And noThis is not a position they will give up easily. Gardner continues: When the Saudis began airstrikes against the Houthis’ illegal takeover of Yemen in April 2015, they said they were confident the war would be over by the end of the year. Nearly a decade later, the Houthis are more firmly entrenched than ever. This strengthened their sense of defiance and invincibility. The United States and its allies will try to make this campaign short and sharp with minimal loss of life. “The Houthis may have other plans,” he concludes.
What’s changing for Italy?
Italy and Europe have been wondering since last month how involved they would be in the US-led mission deployed against Yemeni rebels’ drones. The reports describe a difficult reality for Italy in the future and today: 40% of Italian maritime trade passes through the Suez Strait and Bab el-Mandeb. Houthi attacks increase costs. If traffic with the east decreases, delays increase, routes change, and even the cost of gasoline becomes much higher. Inflation in short.
The results in Europe are already visible and there will be even more very soon. For example, electric car manufacturer Tesla said it would suspend production at its factory outside Berlin, the capital of Germany, due to shipment delays due to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Tesla said on Thursday, shortly before the United States, that the delays had created “a gap in supply chains”, leading to its decision to suspend vehicle production at its Berlin-Brandenburg Gigafactory between January 29 and February 11, with the exception of some sub-areas. He said it caused and the United Kingdom carried out the air strikes. L.The Tesla factory outside Berlin employs approximately 11,500 people and produces approximately 250,000 vehicles per year.
Source: Today IT
Karen Clayton is a seasoned journalist and author at The Nation Update, with a focus on world news and current events. She has a background in international relations, which gives her a deep understanding of the political, economic and social factors that shape the global landscape. She writes about a wide range of topics, including conflicts, political upheavals, and economic trends, as well as humanitarian crisis and human rights issues.
