Why US Airstrikes Aren’t Stopping Attacks by Iran-Backed Houthi Militia
The attacks on drone and ballistic missile launch sites damaged only 20% to 30% of the group's offensive capabilities, according to one estimate
Published 01/17/24 06:15 AM ET|Updated 2 hr ago
Nikhil Kumar and James LaPorta
After the U.S. and U.K. launched a salvo of airstrikes on Houthi militants in Yemen last week, officials said the goal was to reduce Iran-backed group’s capabilities to launch missiles at ships in the Red Sea.
And yet, the attacks continue — with one missile being aimed at a American warship over the weekend.
That missile was shot down. But another struck a U.S.-owned cargo vessel Monday. The latest attack came Tuesday morning, when a Greek-owned ship was hit by the Houthis.
The attacks came amid fresh U.S. airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen Tuesday, the third such move in less than a week.
The developments have had a chilling effect on shipping in the waterway, a key route to the Suez Canal, the transit point for around 12 percent of global trade.
And with Houthi attacks persisting, the U.S. and U.K. strikes haven't quelled concerns: On Tuesday, news came that the British-Dutch oil giant Shell was suspending all shipments through the Red Sea.
Problems along this route could potentially drive up prices for all manner of goods internationally, threatening the stability of the world economy.
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