Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels seize control of strategic city
April 15, 2022
In a significant development, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have successfully taken control of a strategically important city. The rebels, who have been fighting against the Yemeni government for years, managed to capture the city after a series of intense battles with government forces. The fall of the city is seen as a major setback for the government and a significant gain for the rebels.
The city, which is located in a key region of Yemen, holds great strategic importance due to its proximity to major supply routes and its potential to serve as a base for further rebel offensives. The capture of the city is expected to strengthen the rebels' position in the ongoing conflict and could potentially shift the balance of power in their favor.
The Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran, have been fighting against the Yemeni government since 2014. The conflict has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, with millions of Yemenis facing famine, displacement, and a lack of access to basic necessities. The international community has repeatedly called for an end to the violence and a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but so far, a lasting solution has remained elusive.
The fall of the strategic city is likely to further complicate efforts to reach a political settlement in Yemen. The government, which is supported by a Saudi-led coalition, has been struggling to regain control of rebel-held territories and restore stability in the country. The capture of the city by the Houthi rebels is expected to prolong the conflict and deepen the suffering of the Yemeni people.
The recent assaults on commercial shipping occurred one day after the CENTCOM announced the successful interception of an anti-ship cruise missile launched by the Houthis towards the USS Laboon, an American warship operating in the Red Sea. This marked the first confirmed attack by the Houthis on a U.S. warship since the U.S. and U.K. militaries began targeting the group following a series of attacks on cargo ships in the crucial shipping corridor.
For weeks, the Houthis have been deliberately targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea using missiles and drones laden with explosives. They argue that these actions are a justified response to Israel's ongoing conflict with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Despite the U.S. and allied strikes, the Houthis have not been deterred from continuing their attacks on cargo vessels in the strategic shipping corridor. Mohammed Abdulsalam, a key political negotiator for the rebel movement, stated to Reuters that the "attacks to prevent Israeli ships or those heading to the ports of the occupied Palestine will continue."
"The vessel sustained minor damage to one of its cargo holds but remains stable and is currently leaving the area," stated Eagle Bulk, the American operator of the ship, as reported by Reuters. "All crew members on board are confirmed to be unharmed. The ship is transporting a load of steel products."
Britain joined in the airstrikes against the Houthi rebels, which Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described as a "last resort" following "exhaustive diplomatic efforts" and warnings from both Washington and London for the militants to cease their attacks on vessels.
"We will not hesitate to defend our security when necessary," Sunak affirmed.
