Houthis’ Attacks In Red Sea

 

 

By Girish Linganna 

 

 

THE Houthis, a group in Yemen, have a bold slogan “death to America, death to Israel.” For many years, their focus was mainly on conflicts within Yemen and with neighbouring countries on the Arabian Peninsula. However, since October, this once small and isolated group in northern Yemen has become involved in conflicts with the most powerful nation in the Middle East and the leading global superpower. On the early morning of January 12th, warplanes from the United States and Britain carried out bombings on numerous locations in Yemen. There’s a possibility of more attacks by allied forces. President Joe Biden stated that he is ready to order additional actions if needed. These air strikes were in response to nearly two months of attacks by the Houthis on commercial ships in the Red Sea. The group claims that their attacks are to support the Palestinians in Gaza and that they are focusing on ships connected to Israel (they have also launched missiles at southern Israel). However, in reality, their attacks appear indiscriminate, striking any nearby ship, including those from the US and Britain. As a result, the majority of the top global container-shipping firms are now choosing to bypass the Red Sea.

 

Last month, the United States formed an international alliance to protect a key maritime route. On January 3rd, this coalition issued a ‘final warning’ to the Houthi forces. Just hours after this warning, the Houthis set off a naval drone close to commercial ships and US naval vessels. A week later, they launched an attack on a group of American aircraft carriers and a British destroyer. The coalition’s decision to target the Houthis was justified based on the principle of freedom of navigation, a fundamental aspect of international law. Ignoring their actions would mean accepting the blockade of a crucial maritime route, responsible for about 30% of the world’s container traffic. Hapag-Lloyd, a German container company, supported the strikes, stating they were essential to ensure free passage through this critical sea lane. However, the effectiveness of these strikes remains uncertain, given the Houthi’s history of resilience. Originally sparking a Shia uprising in northern Yemen, the Houthi forces rapidly advanced southward in 2014 during the turmoil ensuing from the ousting of Ali Abdullah Saleh, Yemen’s long-standing dictator. They subsequently took control of most major urban areas in the country.

 

In March 2015, a coalition led by Saudi Arabia intervened with the aim of overthrowing the Houthi regime and reinstating the globally acknowledged government. Saudi authorities initially believed that the conflict could be resolved within six weeks. The conflict evolved into a proxy battle with Iran, and nearly nine years on, the coalition is still struggling to extricate themselves from this complicated and protracted situation. The kingdom primarily engaged in aerial combat, but these air strikes were largely unsuccessful in removing the Houthis from power. They relied on local allies for ground operations, who proved to be ineffective. In contrast, the United Arab Emirates achieved greater success by deploying thousands of ground troops and establishing trained militias. The Houthi forces seemed to pay little heed to the war’s toll. Yemen has frequently been labelled as the site of the most severe humanitarian crisis globally. The United Nations estimates that since the onset of the conflict, approximately 2,23,000 people have lost their lives due to starvation and inadequate healthcare. Currently, 80% of Yemen’s population is living in poverty. This situation doesn’t seem to affect the Houthis, who have been accused of diverting food aid for their own use, implementing various taxes to generate revenue, and depending on Iran for military assistance.

 

Engaging in conflict with Western powers might bring additional advantages for them. Their alleged blockade against Israel has garnered increased respect throughout the Arab world, resonating with pro-Palestinian feelings during a period when Arab nations are largely passive observers to the conflict in Gaza. Being a target of American actions, especially at a time when anti-American sentiment is heightened due to President Biden’s backing of Israel, could further boost their standing. This situation might also bolster their position in peace negotiations with Saudi Arabia. While the Saudis might have previously welcomed Western attacks on the Houthis, their stance has now shifted to advocating for restraint. This change is due to the risk of the Houthis intensifying their campaign by targeting Gulf states with missiles or drones, a tactic they have employed numerous times before. The developments of the last two months are likely to remind the Saudis of the importance of reaching an agreement to conclude their conflict, even if it results in the Houthis becoming the predominant power in Yemen. The United States is keen to avoid becoming entangled in another protracted conflict in the Middle East. In contrast, the Houthis are not deterred by such concerns. Now, they are likely satisfied with having involved America in what appears to be an ongoing and indefinite military engagement.