In a sudden twist of events, the United Kingdom and the United States executed airstrikes on Houthi rebel sites in Yemen, further complicating the already unstable situation around the Red Sea. The announcement by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, made without parliamentary consultation, has ignited controversy in British politics and raised global concerns.
The Houthi Rebels and Their Link to Hamas
The Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, constitute a militant group based in Yemen officially known as Ansar Allah. With an estimated 20,000 fighters, they represent the Zaidi branch of Shia Islam and exert control over most of northern Yemen. The group’s origins can be traced back to the 1980s when Saudi Arabia began imposing religious influence in Yemen, triggering opposition from the Houthis.
While not officially labeled as a foreign terrorist organization by either the US or the UK, the Houthis maintain a significant association with Iran and form an alliance with the Palestinian militant group, Hamas. Both groups are part of the Iranian-backed “axis of resistance,” contributing to a complex geopolitical landscape.
Yemen’s Internal Turmoil and Global Consequences
The Houthis garnered support within Yemen due to perceived corruption within the authoritarian regime, leading to a civil war in 2015. Saudi Arabia, with the support of the West, launched a retaliatory military campaign against the Houthis, resulting in a devastating conflict with an estimated 377,000 casualties by the end of 2021.
The Red Sea, a critical shipping channel, is now at the epicenter of the conflict. Disruptions caused by Houthi attacks on shipping routes, initiated during the Israel-Hamas war, have raised concerns about global trade and oil prices. The Red Sea, vital for Europe-to-Asia trade, has witnessed increased shipping costs, impacting economies worldwide.
The UK’s Role and Controversies
Acting as the “penholder” for Yemen at the UN Security Council, the UK provides aid to the war-torn country and supports peace talks between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. However, the UK’s arms sales to Saudi Arabia have faced criticism for potential violations of international humanitarian law. Despite these concerns, the UK, aligned with Israel and the US, participated in the recent airstrikes against the Houthis.
Escalation and Global Response
The recent airstrikes targeted Houthi strongholds, resulting in casualties according to Houthi reports. Tensions had been escalating for months, with Houthi attacks on ships prompting the US to launch Operation Prosperity Guardian. On January 9, the UK and the US intercepted drones and missiles, marking the largest such attack in the region.
The international community’s response has been mixed. The Houthi rebels condemned the airstrikes as a “clear act of aggression,” vowing to retaliate. US President Joe Biden expressed his readiness to take further military action if needed, emphasizing the protection of people and international commerce. Rishi Sunak defended the strikes as “limited, necessary, and proportionate,” underscoring the principle of self-defense.
Several nations, including Australia, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea, endorsed the airstrikes in a joint statement. However, Iran criticized the attacks, asserting a violation of Yemen’s territorial integrity, while Iraq warned of the conflict expanding beyond Israel and Hamas. Russia, aligned with Iran, denounced the “illegitimate strikes” and called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting.
The situation remains dynamic, with heightened geopolitical tensions and growing concerns about the broader implications of the conflict around the Red Sea. As global leaders grapple with the evolving crisis, the imperative for diplomatic solutions and international cooperation becomes increasingly evident.