In a recent development in the Middle East, the US Navy engaged and killed Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in response to an attack on a Mursk ship in the Red Sea. The incident took place following a series of attacks by the Houthi rebels on commercial vessels in this crucial shipping channel.
The US Navy's action is said to be in line with the policy of protecting shipping that the United States has previously outlined. Instead of using missiles or drones, the US Navy sent four boats loaded with infantrymen to board the vessel, after striking it with a drone. The attacked vessel requested assistance, prompting the US to respond. This action is considered to be consistent with international law as the Houthi rebels are seen as behaving like pirates.
Although the White House aims to prevent escalation, the messaging behind their intention remains unclear. Some experts question the purpose of such messaging, as it may be misinterpreted by the Houthis and Iranians, potentially leading to further provocations. Instead, if the goal is to stop the escalation, experts suggest that the US should dominate the cycle of escalation by taking more assertive action, such as targeting the fleet of Houthi boats and their launching sites.
The situation in the Red Sea holds significant importance due to it being a major shipping channel, where Mursk, a shipping giant, has announced a temporary pause in operations. Some military analysts recommend targeting the areas from where the Houthis launch their boats to prevent them from initiating further attacks.
Taking decisive action against the Houthi rebels not only aims to address the immediate threat but also sends a signal to Iran, encouraging them to cease escalating conflicts in other areas as well, such as South Lebanon. By refraining from responding strongly, it is argued that the US may inadvertently invite further aggression and potentially lead to tragic outcomes.
As the United States possesses superior military power in the region and international law supports their stance, experts believe that it is time to take decisive action. The hope is that such action will deter further attacks and steer the situation towards a more peaceful resolution.
The international community will be closely monitoring the actions of the US Navy, to see if they decide to take more assertive measures against the Houthi rebels or the areas used as launching sites. The aim is to prevent further escalation and protect the vital shipping channel in the Red Sea.
