An armed unmanned surface vessel (USV), launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen, recently came within a close proximity of U.S. Navy and commercial vessels in the Red Sea before detonating. This incident occurred just hours after the White House, along with several partner nations, issued a strong warning to the Iran-backed Houthi militia group, urging them to cease their attacks or face potential military action.
Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of U.S. Navy operations in the Middle East, revealed that this was the first time the Houthis had utilized a USV since their harassment of commercial ships in the Red Sea began following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. However, they have used similar vessels in previous years.
According to Fabian Hinz, a missile expert and research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, USVs play a significant role in the Houthi maritime arsenal. These vessels have been deployed during previous battles against the Saudi coalition forces that intervened in Yemen’s war. Typically functioning as suicide drone boats, they explode upon impact.
It is believed that most of the Houthis’ USVs are assembled in Yemen but equipped with components manufactured in Iran, including computerized guidance systems. The United States has accused Iran of providing financial support as well as advanced weapons systems, such as drones, land attack cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, to the Houthis. Iran has also allegedly been heavily involved in planning the Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
During an emergency Security Council meeting at the United Nations, U.S. deputy ambassador Christopher Lu emphasized that the United States is not seeking a confrontation with Iran. However, he stated that Iran has a choice to make. If Iran withholds its support from the Houthis, they would struggle to effectively track and strike commercial vessels navigating the shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
This situation may raise concerns about whether any actions taken against the Houthis would also address Iran’s involvement, potentially leading to a wider conflict.
United States and Allies Issue Warning to Houthis Over Attacks on Vessels
A Strong Message to Cease Illegal Attacks
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the United States, along with Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, delivered a stern warning to the Houthis. Described as a final warning by a senior Biden administration official, the message called for an immediate end to the illegal attacks and the release of unlawfully detained vessels and crews.
Consequences of Continuing Threats
The statement emphasized that the responsibility for the consequences would fall solely on the Houthis if they continued to pose a threat to lives, the global economy, and the free flow of commerce in the critical waterways of the region.
Houthi Attacks and Countermeasures
Since late October, the Houthis have launched numerous one-way attack drones and missiles at commercial vessels passing through the Red Sea. The US Navy has successfully intercepted ballistic missiles aimed at Israel. At present, US warships have managed to shoot down a total of 61 missiles and drones.
Operation Prosperity Guardian
To counter these Houthi attacks, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Operation Prosperity Guardian in December. This operation involves additional ships being sent by the United States and other participating countries to the southern Red Sea. Its primary objective is to provide protection for commercial vessels transiting through the critical Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Ensuring Safe Passage
Since its commencement on December 18, Operation Prosperity Guardian has facilitated the safe passage of 1,500 commercial ships. However, despite these efforts, the Houthis have persisted in launching missiles and attack drones.
Final Warning and Potential Military Action
In response to the continued aggression, the White House and 12 allied nations issued what could be seen as a final warning to the Houthis. They urged the group to stop attacking vessels in the Red Sea, lest they face targeted military action.
Defensive Nature of Operation Prosperity Guardian
It is important to note that while the Operation Prosperity Guardian is solely defensive in nature, it should not be confused with potential military action that the United States might take if the Houthi attacks persist.
Coalition of Supporting Nations
The current coalition of warships consists primarily of vessels from the United States, United Kingdom, and France. In addition, Greece and Denmark will also be providing ships to augment the forces involved in Operation Prosperity Guardian.
