In recent news, the Red Sea, a major shipping and trade route in the Middle East, is becoming a battleground between the United States and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The conflict has been escalating since 2017, and recent reports suggest that US warships have been shooting down Houthi drones in the area.
In May 2021, it was reported that US ships deployed in the Red Sea intercepted and shot down four Houthi drones that were headed towards US Navy vessels. It is not yet clear what the drones were carrying in terms of payload, although it is likely that the drones were intended for reconnaissance or offensive purposes.
The US Navy is actively pursuing an “open and outward-looking” presence in the Red Sea, to discourage Houthi hostile activities in the region. The US Navy’s 5th Fleet has also released a statement that includes a warning to the Houthi rebels, saying that further hostile activities will not be tolerated in the region.
In response to these escalating tensions, the US has also deployed a number of air defense systems and aircraft to the region, including fighter F-35 jets, in preparation for possible airstrikes against Houthi rebel bases. Additionally, US ships have reportedly been patrolling the waters around Yemen in order to protect merchant vessels from attacks by Houthi forces.
The Houthi rebels have also been using naval forces to threaten the shipping lines in the area. In particular, Houthi forces are known to have launched suicidal attacks on US ships in the strait of Bab al-Mandeb. The US navy has responded by increasing its presence in the area, and has also reportedly deployed heavily armed warships to respond to any attacks.
Regardless of the outcome of the current conflict, it is clear that US warships have become increasingly involved in the Red Sea, and that they will continue to do so until the hostilities between the Houthi rebels and the US are resolved. US ships’ presence in the region will likely remain in order to protect vital shipping pathways, and to ensure that the Houthis do not threaten the safety and security of vessels and crews.