Cairo: Hani Kamal El-Din
In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, U.S. forces carried out multiple airstrikes on the Yemeni capital Sana’a and other Houthi-controlled regions early this week, prompting a fierce response from the Houthis who have declared that American interests in the region are now considered legitimate targets. The strikes represent a serious widening of the conflict that originated in Gaza but has since spread to other theaters across the Middle East.
The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed the attacks, stating that precision strikes targeted weapon storage facilities, missile launch sites, and other strategic assets under the control of the Houthi movement, officially known as Ansar Allah. These strikes come amid growing U.S. frustration over repeated Houthi attacks on international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, particularly against vessels suspected of having links to Israel.
In response, the Houthis launched a series of retaliatory missile and drone attacks, claiming to have targeted the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier. While the Pentagon has denied any damage to U.S. naval assets, it did acknowledge an “unprecedented escalation in hostile engagements in the Red Sea and surrounding waters.”
A Regional Flashpoint
The situation in the Red Sea has become increasingly volatile since the outbreak of war in Gaza in October. The Houthis, who control vast swaths of northern Yemen including the capital, have aligned themselves with the Palestinian cause, launching attacks on Israeli-linked vessels and vowing to continue operations “as long as the aggression on Gaza persists.”
Their military spokesman, Yahya Saree, declared in a televised address:
“We have the capability and the will to strike wherever we deem necessary. American forces are not immune, and their ships are now within range.”
Saree emphasized that the recent American airstrikes “will not go unpunished,” and reiterated the group’s commitment to retaliatory operations targeting both U.S. and Israeli interests in the region.
A Broader Strategy?
Military analysts believe the Houthi actions form part of a wider regional strategy by the so-called Axis of Resistance—comprising Iran, Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, and others—to pressure the United States and Israel by opening multiple fronts. In this context, Yemen has become a key arena for asymmetric warfare, exploiting its geographical position near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil and trade shipments.
Over the past two months, dozens of commercial ships have been forced to reroute away from the Red Sea, leading to significant disruptions in international shipping and insurance markets. The Houthis claim their actions are solely aimed at pressuring Israel over the war in Gaza, but Western officials accuse them of acting on behalf of Iranian interests.
U.S. Domestic Politics and Trump’s Involvement
Former U.S. President and current Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump has criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the crisis. In a campaign event held in Florida, Trump stated:
“We never had these problems when I was in office. We had peace through strength. Now, under this administration, the entire Middle East is burning.”
Trump’s remarks come at a time when the Biden administration is facing growing scrutiny over its Middle East policy, especially as American troops and assets face increasing risks in the region.
Yemen’s Complex Political Landscape
The conflict has also exacerbated divisions within Yemen itself. The internationally recognized Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), led by Rashad al-Alimi, has condemned the Houthi attacks on shipping as “reckless acts endangering national interests.” However, their own grip on power remains fragile, with increasing tension between rival factions in the south, particularly the Southern Transitional Council (STC), which has shown limited enthusiasm for direct confrontation with the Houthis.
A senior official within the STC, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
“We do not support Houthi aggression, but we also do not believe that Yemen should be drawn into regional conflicts at the expense of its own recovery and sovereignty.”
This fragmentation further complicates efforts by the U.S. and its allies to build a united front against Houthi operations.
International Reactions
The United Nations has expressed “deep concern” over the spiraling violence in Yemen, calling for restraint on all sides. The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, warned that the conflict threatens to derail fragile peace efforts and humanitarian relief operations.
Meanwhile, Iran has reiterated its support for “the legitimate resistance of the Yemeni people,” while denying direct involvement in Houthi military operations. Western intelligence agencies, however, report increased shipments of weapons and military advisors from Tehran to Sana’a.
Strategic Consequences
Defense experts argue that continued escalation in Yemen could spark a broader regional war, especially if U.S. or Israeli military personnel are killed. Such a development could trigger direct American retaliation not only in Yemen but possibly against Iran or Iranian-aligned forces across the region.
Already, American aircraft carriers and destroyers have increased their presence in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, accompanied by international naval forces, including ships from the United Kingdom, France, and even India.
The Road Ahead
The prospects for de-escalation remain bleak. With both the U.S. and the Houthis adopting increasingly hardline rhetoric, and with the war in Gaza continuing unabated, Yemen is poised to become an even more dangerous flashpoint.
Experts believe that without a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza and broader diplomatic engagement, the regional situation will deteriorate further.
