By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On Monday, Houthi rebels launched a series of unsuccessful attacks against two U.S. Navy destroyers in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait using drones, ballistic missiles, and anti-ship cruise missiles. Despite the intensity of the offensive, both ships escaped unharmed. The Houthis have intensified attacks in the Red Sea, citing ongoing conflicts in Israel and Lebanon as justification. These attacks have significantly reduced shipping traffic, creating a bottleneck in global trade and potentially generating illicit income for the rebels through extortion. The U.S. has responded with airstrikes against Houthi positions, including a B-2 bomber deployment to dismantle underground bunkers.
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The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, launched a coordinated attack on two US warships, the USS Stockdale and USS Spruance, navigating the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The attack involved a barrage of at least eight drones, five ballistic missiles, and three anti-ship cruise missiles. Despite the intensity of the offensive, both vessels emerged unscathed, with no reported injuries.
The Pentagon, in a statement, confirmed the attack and emphasized that the US Navy is well-equipped to defend its personnel and assets. The attack serves as a reminder of the Houthi’s growing capabilities and their willingness to engage in provocative actions against the US. The incident has sparked a wave of online discussions, with many users expressing their frustration with the perceived lack of a decisive response from the US.
While some argue that the US should retaliate with force, others express concern about escalating the conflict and potentially causing civilian casualties. The attack also raises concerns about the implications for regional stability and the potential for further Iranian involvement in the conflict.
The Houthi rebels appear to be aiming for propaganda, seeking to demonstrate their strength and defiance against the US. This approach, however, is likely to backfire, as the US is not known for tolerating attacks against its military assets. The repeated attacks on US warships underscore the need for a robust and decisive response.
The incident highlights the complexity of the situation in Yemen and the dangers of unchecked proxy warfare. The US is facing a delicate balancing act, attempting to deter further aggression while avoiding unnecessary escalation. It remains to be seen how the Biden administration will respond to this latest provocation and what the long-term consequences will be for US-Iran relations.