Tue Nov 12 22:57:30 UTC 2024: ## Houthi Attacks on US Warships in Red Sea Fail, but Threat Remains

**WASHINGTON, D.C.** – The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a coordinated attack on two US Navy destroyers, the USS Stockdale and USS Spruance, in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Monday, November 11, 2024. The attack involved eight drones, five anti-ship ballistic missiles, and three anti-ship cruise missiles, but all were successfully intercepted by the US ships, according to the Pentagon.

The attack, which comes amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and Israel’s ground offensive in Lebanon, highlights the escalating tensions in the region. The Houthis have targeted shipping through the vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait for months, which sees $1 trillion in goods pass through it annually.

In response, US and partner forces have conducted multiple airstrikes against Houthi launch sites and weapons storage facilities, and the US has assembled an international coalition to protect commercial vessels in the area. Despite these efforts, Houthi attacks have persisted, forcing a reduction in shipping through the strait by half.

The Houthis have maintained that the attacks will continue as long as the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon remain unresolved. A United Nations panel of experts has alleged that the Houthis are extorting shipping companies for safe passage through the strait, charging an estimated $180 million per month. The Houthis have yet to respond to this accusation.

While the recent attack on the US warships failed, the threat posed by the Houthis remains significant. Their attacks have already resulted in the seizure of one ship and the sinking of two, killing four sailors. The Houthis claim to be targeting vessels connected to Israel, the US, and the UK, aiming to pressure an end to Israel’s operations in Gaza. However, many of the targeted ships have no connection to the conflict, including some bound for Iran.

The incident underscores the volatile nature of the Red Sea region and the complex challenges faced by the US in navigating the ongoing conflicts and ensuring the safety of international shipping.

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