Houthis launch sea drone to attack ships

On Thursday, a Houthi drone boat laden with explosives detonated in the Red Sea, as reported by the U.S. Navy. Fortunately, the incident resulted in no damage or casualties. This attack is part of a series of ongoing assaults by the Yemen-based Houthi group, defying international calls to cease such actions.

The latest strike occurred a day after a joint statement was issued by 12 countries, including the U.S, Britain, and Japan. The statement warned the Houthis of unspecified “consequences” unless they put an end to their attacks, with a U.S. official suggesting that it might be considered a final warning.

The Houthis, aligned with Iran and holding control over a significant portion of Yemen, have been launching successive waves of explosive drones and missiles at commercial vessels since November 19. They claim that these actions are a form of protest against Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, the leader of U.S. Naval forces in the Middle East, informed reporters on Thursday that the Houthi explosive boat traveled approximately 50 miles (80 km) into the Red Sea before detonating in heavily trafficked shipping lanes.

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U.S. Naval force Vice Admiral Brad Told

“It came within a couple of miles of ships operating in the area – merchant ships and U.S. Navy ships – and we all watched as it exploded,” stated Cooper, noting that the intended target of the attack remained unclear.

Cooper disclosed that there have been a total of 25 Houthi attacks against merchant vessels in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. He emphasized that there are no indications of the Houthi’s “irresponsible behavior” showing any signs of diminishing.

The recurrent Houthi attacks have heightened pressure on President Joe Biden to consider military responses, a course of action his administration has been cautious about due to concerns about further escalating tensions in the already volatile region.

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Houthi speed boats to protect a commercial vessel

On Wednesday, a high-ranking official from the Biden administration informed reporters that in the event of a similar incident occurring again, the response would likely be identical. The official, speaking anonymously, emphasized that the joint statement issued by 12 nations to the Houthis was unambiguous and clear.

“I would not anticipate another warning,” added the official.

During a session at the United Nations, a U.S. representative conveyed to the U.N. Security Council that the United States perceives the situation in the Red Sea as having reached a critical “inflection point.”

Regarding the possibility of Operation Prosperity Guardian targeting Houthi positions with strikes to prevent further attacks on ships, Vice Admiral Brad Cooper clarified that the 22-nation coalition’s focus is solely defensive in nature.