The United States has launched fresh strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, the latest in a series of attacks on the Iran-aligned group in recent days. The strikes come as tensions in the region continue to escalate, with the US and its allies accusing the Houthis of attacking ships in the Red Sea and threatening global oil supplies.
According to US officials, the latest strikes were carried out in response to a Houthi attack on a Saudi oil tanker earlier this week. The attack, which was carried out using a missile and drone, left two crew members dead and the tanker severely damaged. The US has condemned the attack as a “brazen violation” of international law and vowed to take “swift and decisive action” in response.
The strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen are the latest in a series of US military actions in the region. In recent days, the US has launched airstrikes on Houthi sites in Yemen, including a strike on a Houthi missile facility on Wednesday. The US has also accused Iran of providing military support to the Houthis, which Tehran has denied.
The escalating tensions in the region have raised concerns about the potential for a wider conflict. The US and its allies have been working to counter what they see as Iran’s malign influence in the region, including its support for the Houthis in Yemen and its nuclear program. Iran, meanwhile, has accused the US and its allies of seeking to provoke a war.
The situation in Yemen has been volatile for years, with the Houthis controlling much of the country and the internationally recognized government based in the south. The conflict has caused widespread human suffering, with millions of people displaced and many more in need of aid. The US and its allies have been supporting the government in its efforts to reclaim control of the country, but the conflict has proven difficult to resolve.
The latest strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen are likely to further escalate tensions in the region. The US and its allies have made it clear that they will not tolerate what they see as Iran’s aggressive behavior, and the Houthis have shown no signs of backing down. The situation in Yemen is likely to remain volatile in the coming days and weeks, with the potential for further military action and a wider conflict.
What is the history Yemen?
Yemen has a rich and complex history that spans over 3,000 years. The country is located in the Arabian Peninsula, and its strategic location has made it a crossroads for various cultures and empires throughout history. Here is a brief overview of Yemen’s history:
Ancient Yemen:
* The ancient kingdom of Saba’ (also known as Sheba) was established in the 10th century BCE and became a major power in the Arabian Peninsula.
* The kingdom of Saba’ was known for its advanced irrigation systems, architecture, and trade networks.
* The Sabaeans were skilled in metalworking, and their artifacts have been found in many parts of the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa.
Islamic Period:
* In the 7th century CE, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sent his cousin, Ali bin Abi Talib, to Yemen to spread Islam.
* The Islamic era in Yemen began in the 8th century CE, and the country became a major center for Islamic learning and scholarship.
* In the 10th century CE, the Fatimid Caliphate was established in Yemen, and the country became a major center for the Ismaili branch of Shia Islam.
Ottoman Period:
* In the 16th century CE, the Ottoman Empire conquered Yemen and ruled the country for over 400 years.
* During the Ottoman period, Yemen became a major center for the coffee trade, and the country’s coffee was renowned for its high quality.
* The Ottomans also introduced their own administrative and legal systems to Yemen.
Modern Yemen:
* In 1918, Yemen gained independence from the Ottoman Empire and became the Yemen Kingdom.
* In 1962, the Yemen Arab Republic was established, and the country became a major center for Arab nationalism and socialism.
* In 1990, North Yemen and South Yemen were unified, creating the modern state of Yemen.
* Since then, Yemen has faced numerous challenges, including a civil war, a devastating conflict with Houthi rebels, and a humanitarian crisis.
Yemen’s history is rich and diverse, with numerous empires and civilizations having left their mark on the country. Despite the challenges it faces today, Yemen remains a vital and resilient nation with a unique culture and heritage.
Who are the Houthis leader?
The Houthi movement in Yemen is led by several key leaders, including:
1. Abdul-Malik al-Houthi: Abdul-Malik is the founder and leader of the Houthi movement. He is a religious scholar and a former teacher who became a prominent figure in Yemen’s Zaydi Shia community. He has been the public face of the movement since its inception and has been instrumental in shaping its ideology and strategy.
2. Mohammed Ali al-Houthi: Mohammed Ali is Abdul-Malik’s brother and a senior leader of the Houthi movement. He has played a key role in the movement’s military operations and has been involved in negotiations with the Yemeni government and other international actors.
3. Abdullah al-Houthi: Abdullah is another brother of Abdul-Malik and a prominent leader within the movement. He has been involved in the movement’s political and military activities and has been a vocal critic of the Yemeni government and its Gulf Arab backers.
4. Saleh Ali al-Sammad: Saleh Ali is a senior Houthi leader who serves as the movement’s president of the Supreme Political Council. He has been involved in the movement’s political activities and has played a key role in negotiations with the Yemeni government and other international actors.
5. Ibrahim al-Dailami: Ibrahim is a prominent Houthi military commander who has played a key role in the movement’s military operations. He has been involved in several high-profile battles against government forces and has been a vocal advocate for the movement’s military strategy.
It’s worth noting that the Houthi movement is a decentralized organization with a complex leadership structure, and there are many other leaders and commanders who play important roles within the movement. Additionally, the movement’s leadership has evolved over time, with some leaders emerging as more prominent figures in recent years.
How does IRAN Support HOUTHIS?
Iran’s support for the Houthi movement in Yemen has been a subject of controversy and has been the subject of several international sanctions and diplomatic efforts to address the issue. The exact nature and extent of Iran’s support for the Houthi movement is not publicly known, but here are some ways in which Iran has been alleged to support the Houthi movement:
1. Military assistance: Iran has been accused of providing military assistance to the Houthi movement, including weapons, training, and military advisers. The UN Panel of Experts on Yemen has reported that Iran has provided missiles and other weapons to the Houthi movement, and that Iranian military advisers have been present in Yemen.
2. Financial support: Iran has also been accused of providing financial support to the Houthi movement. The UN Panel of Experts on Yemen has reported that Iran has provided financial support to the Houthi movement, and that the movement has received funding from Iranian sources.
3. Political support: Iran has also been accused of providing political support to the Houthi movement. Iran has publicly backed the Houthi movement and has criticized the government of Yemen and its Arab allies for their military campaign against the movement.
4. Use of proxy forces: Iran has been accused of using the Houthi movement as a proxy force to exert influence in Yemen and the wider region. The UN Panel of Experts on Yemen has reported that Iran has used the Houthi movement to attack targets in Yemen and the wider region, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
5. Support for Houthi ideology: Iran has also been accused of supporting the ideology of the Houthi movement, which is based on a mix of Shia Islam and anti-imperialist and anti-Zionist sentiment. Iran has publicly backed the Houthi movement’s calls for greater autonomy for Yemen’s Shia minority and has criticized the government of Yemen and its Arab allies for their treatment of the Shia population.
It is important to note that Iran’s support for the Houthi movement is not a formal military alliance, and the extent of Iran’s support is not publicly known. However, the UN Panel of Experts on Yemen has reported that Iran has provided significant support to the Houthi movement, and that the movement has become increasingly dependent on Iran for military and financial assistance. The issue of Iran’s support for the Houthi movement is a subject of ongoing international diplomatic efforts to address the conflict in Yemen.