What's happened
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have escalated missile and drone attacks on military and civilian vessels in the Red Sea, prompting a robust response from the US Navy. Concerns grow over potential Russian support for the Houthis, which could further destabilize the region and disrupt global shipping routes.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Business Insider, US Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking stated, "Our leadership is all extremely concerned about the Houthis' determination to seemingly strike us." This highlights the growing alarm over the rebels' capabilities. Axios reported that the Houthis are the only Iranian proxy with anti-ship ballistic missiles, indicating a significant escalation in their threat level. Furthermore, Lenderking noted the potential for Russian assistance, calling it a "diabolical" development that could enhance Houthi targeting accuracy. The situation remains fluid, with US forces actively engaged in countering these threats.
How we got here
The Houthis have been launching attacks on maritime traffic in the Red Sea for over a year, significantly impacting international shipping. Their actions are reportedly linked to regional conflicts, including the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
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