A journalist was inadvertently added to a Signal group chat containing top US national security officials, including Vice President Vance and National Security Advisor Waltz, who were planning a strike against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The chat revealed internal debate, with Vance expressing reservations about the timing due to potential economic repercussions. The strikes proceeded on March 15th, as planned, and were publicly defended by administration officials. The incident highlights the unusual use of a private messaging app for sensitive national security discussions.
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An Iranian general’s recent comments hinting at a potential response to US strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen have understandably sparked concern. It’s a situation fraught with complexities, and the history of saber-rattling from both sides makes it difficult to assess the true likelihood of escalation.
These kinds of pronouncements are fairly common, almost a ritualistic part of the ongoing tension. Often, the fiery rhetoric doesn’t translate into concrete action, suggesting a calculated strategy of posturing rather than a genuine commitment to immediate retaliation. However, ignoring the underlying tensions would be a mistake.
The context of the US strikes is crucial here.… Continue reading
The Houthi rebels’ declaration banning US vessels from the Red Sea, ostensibly in retaliation for attacks on Yemen, raises several immediate questions. The ban itself seems almost comical in its audacity, given the Houthis’ limited capabilities and the international nature of the Red Sea. It’s unlikely they possess the means to effectively enforce such a sweeping restriction. Their history of attacking ships, regardless of flag, suggests this “ban” is more of a symbolic gesture than a practical threat.
The lack of clarity surrounding the ban’s scope is concerning. Does it apply solely to US-flagged vessels, which are relatively rare in commercial shipping, or does it encompass any ships linked to the US through ownership, operation, or port calls?… Continue reading
President Trump authorized a significant wave of US air strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, citing their attacks on Red Sea shipping as justification. The strikes, resulting in numerous Houthi casualties, followed months of escalating attacks by the group, which claims to support Palestinians and has targeted vessels allegedly linked to the US, UK, and Israel. Despite the US action, the Houthis vowed continued attacks on shipping and retaliatory action. Trump warned of further, even more forceful, responses if the attacks continued, while Iran condemned the US actions and called for an end to Israeli actions in Gaza.
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In response to Houthi attacks on US assets and disruption of Red Sea shipping lanes, the US military launched air and naval strikes targeting Houthi radar, air defense, and missile systems. The multi-day operation, ordered by President Trump, resulted in at least nine deaths and nine injuries according to Houthi sources. The strikes aim to restore freedom of navigation in a critical waterway and send a message to Iran, which allegedly funds the Houthis. President Trump warned of further, more devastating action should Houthi attacks continue.
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In response to Houthi attacks on U.S. warships and commercial vessels, U.S. Central Command launched multiple precision strikes targeting Houthi command and control facilities, weapons production and storage sites, and coastal radar in Sanaa, Yemen. These strikes, utilizing air and naval forces, destroyed Houthi missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. The operation aimed to degrade the Houthis’ ability to threaten regional partners and shipping. Houthi representatives condemned the strikes as an act of aggression.
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Two U.S. Navy pilots were rescued after their F/A-18 Super Hornet was mistakenly shot down by the USS Gettysburg, a guided-missile cruiser, during a U.S. airstrike against Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The incident, resulting in minor injuries to one pilot, highlights the escalating dangers in the region, where the Houthis have intensified attacks on shipping, prompting increased U.S. military presence and actions. The shootdown occurred amidst heightened tensions following recent Houthi attacks and increased U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi infrastructure in Yemen. This incident marks a significant escalation of the conflict.
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The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a significant air strike against Houthi targets in Yemen, claiming to have effectively neutralized all three of the Houthi-controlled ports. This forceful action followed a ballistic missile launched from Yemen towards Tel Aviv, prompting a swift and decisive response from Israel.
The timing of the IDF’s response is striking. Reports suggest that only minutes elapsed between the Houthi missile launch and the commencement of Israeli airstrikes in Sana’a, the Yemeni capital. While official statements attribute the broader operation to a response to previous Houthi missile attacks, the near-simultaneous nature of the events raises questions about the level of Israeli intelligence and pre-planning.… Continue reading
An Arrow missile defense system intercepted a missile launched from Yemen over central Israel, triggering air raid sirens and a temporary halt to Ben Gurion Airport operations. Debris from the intercepted missile landed in Leshem and Beit Hanina, causing minor property damage but no injuries. The attack, coinciding with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s court testimony, prompted warnings of a strong Israeli response to the Iran-backed Houthi rebels responsible. Israeli officials are considering retaliatory action despite the logistical challenges, echoing similar threats made by Finance Minister Smotrich and countered by Houthi warnings of further escalation.
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The Houthi arsenal’s sophistication is genuinely alarming, particularly to those within the Pentagon responsible for acquiring and deploying weapons. The sheer volume and apparent advancement of their missile and drone capabilities, including anti-ship weaponry, represents a significant escalation, even if their success rate in actually sinking ships remains relatively low. This presents a serious challenge to US naval operations in the region.
The scale of the Houthi threat is amplified by the potential for increased Iranian support. With other Iranian proxies facing setbacks, the Houthis may become a focal point of Iranian investment, both financially and technologically. This collaborative relationship, potentially extending to North Korea and Russia in terms of missile technology, exponentially increases the threat level.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood