Trump’s expected redesignation of Yemen’s Houthis as a terror organization is generating considerable discussion, and understandably so. The issue is complex, with differing opinions stemming from a range of perspectives and understandings of the situation. The potential for such a designation to significantly impact the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen is a major concern.
The move itself wouldn’t be unprecedented. The Houthis have been previously designated as a terrorist organization, and then later removed from that list. The reasoning behind these shifts involves navigating the difficult balance between combating terrorism and ensuring the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid to a population already suffering tremendously.… Continue reading
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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In its first operational use in Israel, the U.S.-supplied THAAD system successfully intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile launched in retaliation for a major Israeli air operation in Yemen. The interception, which occurred after sirens sounded across central Israel, prevented casualties and significant damage, although some minor injuries were reported. The incident briefly disrupted air traffic, with several flights rerouted. France condemned the Houthi attacks and reaffirmed its support for Israel’s security.
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A U.S. Navy guided-missile cruiser, the USS Gettysburg, mistakenly shot down a Navy F/A-18 fighter jet over the Red Sea on December 22nd. Both pilots ejected safely, with one sustaining minor injuries. The incident occurred during ongoing military operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen, marking the first friendly fire incident resulting in the downing of a crewed U.S. aircraft in the conflict. An investigation into the cause of the shootdown is underway.
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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 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
The recent escalation of violence in Yemen, following the Tel Aviv drone attack, has once again brought to light the destructive consequences of conflict in the region. The airstrikes carried out by Israel in response to the attacks have resulted in casualties and widespread destruction, further complicating an already volatile situation. The Houthi rebels, who claimed the Israeli strikes hit civilian targets and a power station, are facing the harsh reality of their actions having grave repercussions.
It is crucial to understand that instigating violence only leads to a vicious cycle of retaliation and further bloodshed. As individuals with power and influence sit comfortably in safe countries, orchestrating attacks that put innocent lives at risk, they fail to comprehend the grave consequences of their actions.… Continue reading
It is truly mind-boggling to see the footage of a downed US Reaper drone worth $30 million in the hands of Houthi rebels. The fact that this marked the third loss in just a month raises questions and concerns about the vulnerability of these sophisticated machines in contested airspace. These drones are not designed for situations where they may face threats, making their loss seem almost inevitable at times.
The thought of the Houthi rebel parading the downed Reaper drone in a parking lot, joking about selling it to the highest bidder, is almost comical in a dark way. The nonchalant attitude towards the loss of such a valuable piece of equipment highlights the discrepancy in perception of worth between different parties involved in these conflicts.… Continue reading
The recent news of the Houthi rebels sinking a ship in the Red Sea for the first time has sparked a multitude of reactions and emotions within me. The fact that they targeted a Lebanese ship, potentially without even knowing the true identity of their target, is a cause for concern. It makes me question the motives and strategies of these rebels who seem to be creating chaos and destruction without a clear purpose or direction.
The implications of this act go beyond just the sinking of a ship. The environmental impact of such an attack, especially when considering the cargo of fertilizers on board, is a cause for alarm.… 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
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker