The recent reports of the Houthis knocking out underwater cables linking Europe to Asia have left me deeply concerned. This blatant act of disruption targeting the infrastructure that connects continents is a clear display of how fragile our digital connectivity truly is. The impact of such actions goes beyond just interrupted internet access; it has the potential to disrupt global communications and trade, potentially even instigating conflicts between nations.
It is startling to think that such a small group can wield so much power in this modern era. The example of a North Korean agent cutting the fiber link between Japan and South Korea in the 90s highlights how easily critical infrastructure can be disrupted.… Continue reading
I can’t help but feel a sense of weary resignation when I hear about the latest news that the Houthis have claimed to have shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone off the coast of Yemen. It seems to be just another day in an ongoing conflict that has seen its fair share of drones being targeted and destroyed. The Pentagon is now conducting an investigation into the cause of the crash, but this wouldn’t be the first time that the Houthis have successfully taken down a U.S. drone. In fact, it was just recently on October 7th that another Reaper drone met a similar fate.… Continue reading
In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Yemen, an oil tanker has been set ablaze after a missile attack by the Houthi rebels, according to the firm Trafigura. This act of aggression is not only concerning but also incredibly dangerous. Attacking oil ships poses a significant threat not only to the region but also to global trade and stability.
The timing of this attack is particularly inflammatory. Europe is already struggling to secure oil supplies due to the war in Ukraine. Targeting oil tankers could potentially push the Houthi conflict over the edge, exacerbating an already dire situation. Interfering with world trade is never a wise move and can result in severe consequences for those involved.… Continue reading
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have once again escalated tensions in the Middle East by firing a missile at a US warship patrolling the Gulf of Aden. This incident marks a significant turning point in the conflict, as it is the first time the Houthis have directly targeted a US warship. The outcome was, unsurprisingly, the destruction of the missile by the American ship. It almost feels like a futile attempt by the rebels, akin to a weak punch from a child being caught by an adult.
It begs the question, what were they thinking? Did they truly believe they could take on the mighty US Navy with outdated tactics and technology?… Continue reading
Iran is ‘directly involved’ in Houthi ship attacks, US Navy’s Mideast chief says
In recent news, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, the head of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet, has stated that Iran is “very directly involved” in the ship attacks carried out by Yemen’s Houthi rebels during Israel’s war against Hamas. This revelation may not come as a surprise to those who have been paying close attention to the situation in the Middle East.
While Cooper did not explicitly claim that Iran directed each individual attack, he did acknowledge that Iran’s influence has expanded beyond the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, now posing a threat to waters across the wider Middle East.… Continue reading
Biden says US strikes against Houthi rebels will continue as bombardment has yet to deter militants. This headline caught my attention today, and it made me reflect deeply on the ongoing conflict in Yemen and the role of the United States in this situation. As an ordinary citizen, I can’t help but feel a sense of frustration and sadness when I see that violence and destruction persist, despite efforts to bring about peace.
The comments I read express a range of emotions, from anger and frustration to a desire for more decisive action. One commenter suggests that the official Yemeni government might be in talks with the US to restart the civil war with their support, while another urges the US to “fuck them up.”… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker