On Sunday, February 18, the United States escalated its military operations in Yemen, targeting Houthi-controlled territories with a series of precise strikes. According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation aimed to neutralize imminent threats to maritime security in the region, hitting three mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, one unmanned underwater vessel (UUV), and one unmanned surface vessel.
This action marks the first reported use of a UUV by Houthi forces since the onset of hostilities on October 23, highlighting a significant escalation in the conflict’s maritime dimension. CENTCOM’s announcement underscores the perceived urgency of the threat these systems posed to U.S. Navy ships and commercial vessels navigating the area.
The Iran-aligned Houthi group, which has not commented on the strikes, has been increasingly assertive in its maritime operations. Since November, Houthi fighters have launched attacks against both military and commercial shipping, initially targeting vessels linked to Israel in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Their scope later widened to include ships associated with the United Kingdom and the U.S., prompting retaliatory strikes by London and Washington, D.C. against Houthi positions in Yemen.
The recent operation comes in the wake of a Houthi-claimed missile attack on a British oil tanker, identified by the U.S. as a Panamanian-flagged vessel carrying crude oil to India. This incident is part of a broader pattern of maritime insecurity that has prompted major shipping lines to reroute around Africa, avoiding the Red Sea. Such diversions have significant economic implications, increasing shipping costs and impacting global inflation while also affecting Egypt’s revenue from Suez Canal transit fees.
In response to the escalating situation, shipping giant Maersk issued a statement in January, expressing hope for a sustainable resolution but advising customers to anticipate continued disruptions in the region. The company’s caution reflects the broader concern within the international community about the potential for further escalation and its impact on global trade networks.
The U.S.’s military response to Houthi advancements in maritime capabilities signals a robust stance on protecting international shipping lanes and deterring aggression in strategic waterways. However, the effectiveness of these measures in ensuring the safety of maritime traffic and fostering stability in the region remains to be seen as the conflict in Yemen continues to evolve with new dimensions of warfare.
