State Secretary Antony Blinken recently acknowledged a significant assault by Houthi rebels, based in Yemen, targeting American interests in the Red Sea. Blinken highlighted Iran’s involvement in this attack, describing it as the “most extensive” to date, and cautioned about potential repercussions if such incidents persist.
Speaking to journalists at the Bahrain International Airport in Manama, Blinken stated on Wednesday, “Yesterday, we witnessed the most extensive attack, orchestrated with Iran’s support,” as reported by PBS NewsHour’s foreign affairs and defense correspondent, Nick Schifrin.
Blinken emphasized the seriousness of these threats, saying, “We’ve communicated to over 20 nations that ongoing attacks like yesterday’s will lead to serious consequences.” He further urged Iran to cease its support for the Houthis, noting that escalating the conflict is not in their interest.
According to Voice of America reports, Blinken pointed out that the attacks, executed using drones, were facilitated by Iran through “technology, equipment, intelligence, and information,” significantly impacting real-life scenarios.
These remarks from Blinken followed his meeting with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. However, he did not specify the nature of the consequences should these attacks not cease.
On the same day, the U.N. Security Council, prompted by a U.S.-drafted resolution, demanded an end to the Houthi assaults.
The Houthis maintain that their attacks are aimed at vessels associated with or en route to Israel, asserting that these actions are in support of Palestinians in Gaza.
In a recent offensive on Tuesday, the U.S. Navy intercepted 21 Houthi missiles and drones in what the military described as a “complex attack,” as reported by CNN. This assault involved various unmanned systems, including 18 drones and three missiles, targeting international shipping routes used by numerous vessels, as per a statement from the U.S. Central Command.
Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of the Central Command, reported that, as of last Tuesday, there have been 26 attacks by the Houthis on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. He clarified that most recent attacks showed no direct links to Israel.
These assaults have been occurring almost daily since December 9 and have involved ships connected to 55 nations, based on crew nationality, ship origins, destinations, or ownership.
