The U.S. conducted airstrikes yesterday against the Houthi terrorists that have been conducting a series of coordinated attacks on shipping and other commercial vessels in the Red Sea for over a year. The airstrikes mark a significant escalation in the U.S.-led global effort to fight back against the reckless attacks that have caused shipping delays, forced re-routings, increased volatility and uncertainty, and shook up a shipping industry that was recovering from several pandemic-era issues.
What was targeted in the airstrikes?
B-2 stealth bombers were used in the airstrikes, where underground weapons storage facilities were targeted. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the weapons housed in the facilities targeted by the U.S. were used in attacks globally, including those on commercial vessels. The DOD added that they had evidence to trace the weapons back to attacks in both the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in a statement:
“This was a unique demonstration of the United States’ ability to target facilities that our adversaries seek to keep out of reach, no matter how deeply buried underground, hardened, or fortified. The employment of US Air Force B-2 Spirit long-range stealth bombers demonstrates U.S. global strike capabilities to take action against these targets when necessary, anytime, anywhere.”
A year of attacks and disruptions with no end in sight.
After over a year of relentless attacks against ships in the Red Sea, global shipping and commerce have been upended, with commercial vessels choosing to forego the Red Sea due to security risks of further attacks, and taking the longer route after the Cape of Africa.
Other measures were tried to deter the attacks, but the attacks continued, culminating in a recent attack on a Greek-flagged commercial ship that was transporting oil. That ship caught fire after a missile struck it, leading to environmental and safety concerns in August.
Israel also attacked the Houthis’ positions last month, in an attempt to stem the attacks on commercial vessels, but the terrorist group struck back with drone attacks on ships.
What comes next?
As of now, there is no evidence that shipping lines plan on changing their existing routings, as the security risks in the region continue. However, we will keep you posted on further developments.