US-Led Airstrikes on Houthi Rebel Targets in Yemen

The Impact of the Airstrikes

Last week's US-led airstrikes on Houthi rebel targets in Yemen have garnered attention for their limited impact on the Iranian proxy group's offensive capabilities. According to a US official, the airstrikes destroyed less than a third of the group's overall offensive capabilities, leaving them with the majority of their ability to strike ships in the Red Sea. Despite the barrage of strikes, the Houthis still maintain about three-quarters of their ability to target commercial vessels in international shipping lanes in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The recent missile attack on a US-owned cargo ship in the Red Sea has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the airstrikes in deterring the Houthi's ability to strike international shipping.

Container vessel Maersk Hangzhou sails in the Wielingen channel, Westerschelde, Netherlands July 15, 2018. Rene van Quekelberghe/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY

The airstrikes, while successful in targeting specific sites, have not significantly hindered the Houthi's military efforts. This has raised questions about the Biden administration's approach in the Middle East and the challenges of dealing with Iranian-backed groups. The delicate balance between avoiding escalation and addressing threats to international trade has become a focal point of the discussion surrounding the airstrikes.

Houthi fighters and tribesmen stage a rally against the U.S. and the U.K. strikes on Houthi-run military sites near Sanaa, Yemen, on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024.

Disrupting Global Trade

The Houthi militants' attacks on international shipping, which have intensified since November, are causing disruptions to global trade. With substantial support from Iran, the Houthis have targeted commercial vessels in retaliation for Israel's war in Gaza. These attacks have forced some of the world's largest shipping companies to avoid the Red Sea, leading to longer shipping routes and increased costs. The impact of these disruptions on international trade and the global economy is a growing concern, with potential consequences for supply chains and inflation rates.

The Biden administration has emphasized the success of the recent operation in degrading the Houthi's military capabilities. Officials have highlighted the specific targets chosen to hinder the Houthi's ability to strike vessels in the Red Sea. However, concerns remain about the ongoing disruptions caused by the Houthi's attacks and the potential escalation of tensions in the region.

Irans Involvement and Potential Repercussions

Declassified US intelligence has revealed Iran's deep involvement in coordinating the Houthi attacks on commercial and merchant ships. The careful calibrations of Iran's response to the conflict in the region raise concerns about the potential for miscalculations and escalation. While US officials acknowledge Iran's role in supporting the Houthi attacks, the fear of a wider conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the US adds complexity to the situation. The implications of Iran's influence on the Houthi's activities and the snarling of crucial trade routes are central to the ongoing discussions surrounding the airstrikes.

Analysts warn that a prolonged closure of the Red Sea and the potential disruptions to the Suez Canal could have significant impacts on global supply chains and trade volumes. The US and its allies are facing the challenge of addressing the threat posed by the Houthi attacks while avoiding further escalation. President Joe Biden has expressed readiness to take further measures to protect international commerce, underscoring the urgency of addressing the ongoing challenges in the region.