Houthis Warn of 'Repercussions After Ten Fighters Killed in US Red Sea Attack

Yemen’s Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthi movement, has acknowledged the loss of ten of its fighters in a recent strike by the United States in the Red Sea. In a statement released on Sunday, Yahya Sarea, the spokesperson for Ansar Allah, stated that three Houthi boats were targeted by US forces while they were engaged in operations to ensure "security and stability" and to protect the sea. He emphasized the Houthi forces' commitment to their humanitarian and moral duty, preventing Israeli or Palestine-bound ships from passing through the Red Sea. Sarea asserted that the US is responsible for the consequences of the attack, emphasizing that Yemen will continue its religious, moral, and humanitarian support for the oppressed in Palestine despite US military maneuvers.

The Houthi movement has consistently warned that any attacks by the US or its Operation Prosperity Guardian coalition allies would be met with retaliation, including possible missile strikes against Western warships. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that three Houthi speedboats were sunk in a "self-defense" attack by helicopters launched from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier. The incident occurred as the Houthi forces suspected the Maersk Hangzhou, a Singapore-flagged, Danish-operated container ship, of heading for Israel. The UK, among the few US allies committed to the coalition, was reportedly coordinating with the Pentagon for potential "direct action" strikes against the Houthis.

Criticism has arisen from various members of the international community regarding the aggressive approach taken by the US and its allies in the Red Sea crisis. Saudi Arabia, previously leading an extensive campaign against the Houthis, expressed disinterest in joining the US-led coalition. In contrast, China called for a resolution through dialogue and political consultations, emphasizing the need for maintaining the security of international waterways. Recent reports suggested that the Houthis had trained around 20,000 reservists to counter the US coalition and its Israeli allies in the Red Sea. Ansar Allah indicated that its campaign of hijackings, missile launches, and drone attacks on commercial shipping would cease if Israel halted its operations in Gaza.