NIN365 Desk, Kolkata : In the volatile landscape of international tensions, the recent US and British attacks on the Houthis in Yemen have sent shockwaves through the region. These strikes, far from being just about freedom of navigation, have escalated the crisis and are intricately connected to events in Gaza. The Houthis, fiercely independent, have immediately vowed to respond, potentially dragging pro-Iranian militias in Iraq and Syria into the fray.
As tensions rise, there’s a looming concern that this could lead to a broader conflict, making it challenging for American diplomacy to prevent an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militia backed by Iran. The Houthis, integral to Iran’s network of allies, are not mere proxies but allies with their own motivations. Having spent time with them, it’s evident that they relish conflict with the Americans and see themselves as active participants in this geopolitical struggle.
Iran has significantly bolstered the Houthis’ capabilities, providing them with advanced weaponry, including anti-ship missiles, ballistic missiles, and attack drones. While their naval capacity pales in comparison to the coalition forces, the real threat lies in the danger they pose to international navigation. Hijacking ships and firing upon them in the Red Sea, the Houthis disrupt the vital Bab al-Mandab Strait, prompting commercial shipping companies to opt for longer routes, circumventing the Suez Canal.
Controlling Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and the Red Sea coast since 2014, the Houthis have faced relentless bombing by the Saudi-led coalition since 2015. Their resilience, coupled with their strategic partnership with Iran, makes it unlikely that a single round of air strikes will deter them. Their attacks in the Red Sea are portrayed as a response to the war in Gaza, indicating a link between various conflicts across the region.
Critics argue that an immediate ceasefire in Gaza would be a more effective way to quell Houthi attacks, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these geopolitical events. The fear is that the US-UK actions might not resolve but instead prolong or escalate the situation, providing the Houthis with a platform to demonstrate defiance and resilience.
The recent attacks by the US and UK targeted multiple locations, reflecting the complexity of the situation. Yemen’s mountainous terrain and the Houthis’ experience of prolonged bombardment suggest that their military capacity might endure despite these strikes. Iran’s role in upgrading the Houthi arsenal is evident in the sophistication and lethality of the weapons they deploy.
The Houthi seizure of a merchant ship last month showcased a well-coordinated attack with trained commandos, dispelling the image of ragged fighters. In this unconventional warfare, the focus isn’t solely on the military might but on the psychological impact. If the Houthis can continue threatening and attacking ships, it serves as a symbolic gesture of their resistance against the West, resonating with their supporters across the region.
As the geopolitical chessboard unfolds, the potential for further retaliation from the US and its allies hangs in the balance. The Houthis’ defiance and determination to be seen as unbeaten protagonists in this larger narrative suggest that the story is far from over. The complexities of the conflicts in Yemen, Gaza, and the broader Middle East interweave, creating a tapestry of geopolitical intrigue with unpredictable consequences.
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