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- Despite the U.S. offensive, the Houthi rebels maintain about 75% of their offensive strength.
- The Iranian-backed group became a target of the United States after sustained attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
- The Houthi ship targeting was a response to Israel’s war in Gaza following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack.
The New York Times reported, citing U.S. officials, that the Houthi rebels have no ability to launch missiles and drones, despite a U.S.-led attack on the group in Yemen earlier this week. It is said that it retains approximately 75% of the total.
Lt. Gen. Douglas Sims II, director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Friday that U.S. and British airstrikes had the intended goal of disrupting the Houthis’ offensive capabilities by targeting ammunition depots, missile launch systems and aviation facilities. He was confident that he had achieved it. Defense radar system.
“We know exactly the capabilities that the Houthis are wielding against the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab,” Sims II said.
“This is designed solely to go after capabilities that are interfering with international freedom of navigation on the high seas. We’re pretty confident that we’ve done a good job on this issue,” he said. added.
But two anonymous U.S. officials told The Times on Saturday that the operation only destroyed or damaged about 20 to 30 percent of the group’s offensive capabilities. Most of its weapons systems are on mobile platforms, which allow them to be quickly moved and concealed, the report said.
Officials also warned that the Houthis were likely to fight back, although one said there appeared to be disagreement over how the Houthis would act.
“My guess is that the Houthis are trying to figure things out on the ground and trying to determine what capabilities they still have,” Sims II said. “I expect they will try to retaliate in some way.”
The United States and Britain, supported by the Netherlands, Canada, Bahrain and Australia, fired more than 150 rounds into areas controlled by the Iranian-backed group in response to continued attacks by the Iranian-backed group on ships sailing in the Red Sea. .
A joint statement on airstrikes issued by 10 countries on Friday said the Houthis continued to target ships in the Red Sea despite strong warnings to stop, launching “numerous missiles and one-way attack aircraft” at the vessels. He said the measures were taken in response to the launch. Jan. 9 — Includes U.S. and British vessels.
“Our goal remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea,” the statement added. “But let us be clear: Even in the face of continued threats, we will not hesitate to protect lives and ensure free trade in one of the world’s most important waterways.” I won’t.”
The Houthi offensive began in response to Israel’s major offensive on Gaza, which followed a Hamas attack on October 7.
Nicholas Brumfield, a Middle East politics researcher who focuses on Yemen and maritime security, wrote in a report for the Foreign Policy Institute that “as long as Israeli operations continue, it is unlikely that attacks will cease; “There is a possibility that it will become even more intense.”
Some major shipping companies have suspended operations as the attacks intensify, raising concerns about disruption to shipping in the region.
Insurance costs for ships sailing the Red Sea are also rising, with the most expensive ships potentially having to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in extra fees for each voyage, says David, insurance editor at Lloyd’s List Intelligence. Osler previously said. Associated Press.
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