The US military plans to retaliate against attacks by Houthi-linked militants in Yemen against merchant ships in the Red Sea, US officials said.
The US Politico website cited officials as saying that the attack on Houthi targets in Yemen was a response by President Joe Biden's administration to the possibility of the Israeli war in the Gaza Strip turning into a protracted regional conflict. Talks about the circumstances that could drag Washington into a war in the Middle East.
Since the outbreak of war in Gaza, US officials have confirmed that Washington has been pressuring Iran behind the scenes. The conflict follows clashes in Iraq, Lebanon and Iran in recent days.
Since November 19, 2023, the Houthis have been launching a wave of drones and missiles at Israeli merchant ships or ships bound for Israel in protest of the 3-month-old Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip.
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The Houthi attacks have disrupted international shipping and forced some companies to halt shipping operations from the Red Sea, making it a longer and more expensive voyage around Africa.
According to Reuters, repeated Houthi attacks have increased pressure on President Joe Biden to respond militarily, something his administration has been reluctant to do for fear of escalating already worsening regional tensions.
Last December, the United States and other nations launched Operation Prosperity Sentinel to protect ships targeted by the Houthis in the Red Sea.
