US Navy Accept Defeat To Houthis? (X image @safety4sea)
Houthis are among the first responders to Israel’s barbaric war in Gaza. Pledging solidarity with Hamas – the resistance movement of the besieged enclave – the Yemeni group started to attack commercial vessels passing through Red Sea that have links with Israel. The Bab al-Mandab Strait that connects Gulf of Aden with Red Sea is one of the busiest trade routes. Since the beginning, Houthis held on their stance; they will stop when Israel stop bombing Gaza.
Due to the attacks, vessels took the longer route, through South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, which caused time and costs. Having had enough of the inconvenience from the group, US formed Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG) in last December 2023. It was aimed at creating an international front that would both deter the Houthis from further attacks and reassure the shipping companies. Over 20 countries were part of the operation.
However, it did not work as it was expected. The Houthis remained undeterred. The attack continued on anything and everything from ships with links to Israel to Iranian carriers and Russian and Greek flagged oil tankers.
Also Read: Who Are Houthis, The Fierce Supporters Of Hamas
Now reports emerge that the “Houthis have defeated the US Navy”.
Ok. pic.twitter.com/nAWUNiKgmQ
— Stanly Johny (@johnstanly) August 29, 2024
Failure of OPG to attain its goal has led to the formation of Operation Poseidon Archer in January 2024, in which US and UK performed counterstrikes on Houthi targets. The European Union formed a splinter coalition called as Aspides, refusing to associate with US posture in Israel.
But none of it made the Houthis step back. Not only did the attack steadily increased, they diversified too. Drones and cruise missiles were paired with hijackings and ballistic missiles. In April surface drone was used for the first time, and there has been a steady increase in this method since.
The latest victim of Houthi attack is the Greek-flagged Sounion oil tanker, which was attacked four times, resulting in a fire on board. As per Pentagon spokesperson Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder, the tanker is carrying one million barrel of crude oil, and media reports suggest that the oil is being leaked into the sea. If it is true, this could be the fifth largest oil spill in history.
Also Read: Shipping, Logistics Industries Lose Patience Over Red Sea Standoff
Reportedly, there are no Prosperity Guardian ship to be seen within 500 miles of the area. In May this year, there were 12 US warships on station providing a mix of missile picket and escorting duties. Now they have zero. The UK once had three ships, now none.
When UK is striving with scarcity of ships to send to the region, US decided to stop sending any.
As per Telegraph report, the US Navy announced that it might have to park up 17 auxiliary support ships due to crewing issues. For the first time in several years, the Western Pacific is without an aircraft carrier, as two of them are in the Middle East, send for aiding Israel, and not in Red Sea.
It appears that, US Navy, which boasts to be world’s most powerful navy, has abandoned the Red Sea mission.
Also Read: Houthis Successfully Test Hypersonic Missile In Red Sea, Says Russian State Media
And the Houthis’ missile threats appear to be high, with substantial arsenals. Naval planners are reportedly worried about the Houthis’ ability to mount concentrated prolonged attacks simultaneously from several directions.
US appears to be trading on thin ice here. If it fails to take actions anymore, the Suez Canal route might be closed, causing the European, Asian and US economies to go down largely. Washington would lose face in its failure to prevent an economic downturn. And if US unleash attacks, it will bear responsibility for directly contributing to a very dangerous escalation in the region that might be difficult to curb.
(With inputs from agencies)
