Yemens Houthi rebels launched an anti-ship ballistic missile on Friday in response to overnight strikes on their positions by American and British forces. However, the retaliation missed its mark according to a top US general.“We know that they have fired at least one missile in retaliation but it did not hit a vessel,” stated Lieutenant General Douglas Sims, Director of the Joint Staff, to journalists.Sims predicted further efforts by the Iran-aligned militants to counterattack following the bombardment. “Their rhetoric has been pretty strong and pretty high. I would expect that they will attempt to some sort of retaliation,” he remarked.US-UK strike Houthis The US-UK strikes targeting nearly 30 Houthi locations utilised over 150 munitions. Damage assessment is ongoing said Sims, who added casualties were expected to be low.“Every target we struck last night was associated with a capability that has been employed in denying freedom of navigation in the Red Sea,” explained the general.Months of aggression prompt rare strikesThe preemptive hits on the rebels responded to months of expanding attacks on shipping transiting the strategic Red Sea waterway. The action demonstrates resolve by the US and allies to keep vital regional trade arteries open.The Houthis have conducted intensifying drone and missile strikes on the key international route since Hamas instigated clashes with Israel in October. The Gaza crisis has spiralled into broader Middle East violence.“We condemn repeated Houthi aggression threatening vessels and global commerce,” said UK Foreign Minister James Cleverly. “These strikes aim to curtail future incidents.”Why are Houthis launching attacks in the Red SeaThe insurgents holding much of Yemen since 2014 say blockading Red Sea shipping drains resources from the Saudi-led coalition battling them. They also justify the assaults as backing Palestinians during fighting with Israel.“The resistance stands with the Palestinian cause in repelling Israeli occupation,” proclaimed Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam. “Our message is the Red Sea is no longer safe for Zionist and imperialist aggression.”Analysts warn the expanding attacks could prompt reprisals as seen overnight. All parties are under pressure to prevent wider conflict threatening regional stability.
