Houthi Rebels In Yemen Hit Cargo Ship In Red Sea, Causing Fire: US Official
The Biden administration has issued warnings to Houthi rebels in Yemen through various channels, urging them to cease their attacks on ships in the Red Sea and on Israel. Houthi assaults, comprising over 70 drones and ballistic missiles, targeted Israel during the Israel-Hamas conflict, with most intercepted. Recently, the Houthis expanded their attacks to commercial ships near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, falsely claiming Israeli affiliations. Despite warnings from U.S. special envoy Tim Lenderking and regional counterparts, the Houthis persist, disrupting ship arrivals at Israel’s Eilat port and redirecting global shipping routes.
In response, the U.S. plans to announce a multinational task force operating in the Red Sea to deter and counter Houthi attacks. This force, not escorting ships but enhancing response capabilities, faces Houthi threats. Meanwhile, Israel, concerned about the attacks, refrains from military action to prevent distraction from the Gaza conflict. The U.S. assures commitment to Red Sea navigation freedom, influencing Israel’s decision to assess the task force’s impact before independent action. Tensions persist, emphasizing the intricate geopolitical challenges involving the U.S., Israel, and Houthi rebels.
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