On Oct 19, the Pentagon confirmed that the Iran-backed Houthi militia targeted the USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, in the Red Sea on Oct. 19. Reportedly, the USS Carney intercepted three cruise missiles and several drones without sustaining damage or casualties. Although the Houthis haven’t claimed responsibility, the attack likely originated from north-western Houthi-held positions in Yemen and was aimed “potentially towards … Israel,” as per Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder.
While the attack remains symbolic, showcasing the Houthis’ alignment with Iran’s “Axis of Resistance,” it coincided with pro-Iranian militant groups targeting U.S. bases in Syria and Iraq. This event underlines the complexities in managing Yemen’s regional influence and the implications of the 2018 Stockholm Agreement, hindering Hodeida’s recapture.
The Houthi attack reflects both external and internal motives. Externally, the Houthis aim to strengthen regional ties, gain support, and signal a potential threat to the U.S. and Israel. Internally, they strive to boost public support, counter criticism, and influence Saudi-Houthi talks.
Despite their symbolic attacks, the Houthis possess capabilities that could target Israel. They showcased various long-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and sea denial systems, highlighting their strategic reach.
This attack holds implications for Yemen, the region’s security, and ongoing talks. It underscores risks posed by non-state actors’ unchecked access to long-range capabilities and highlights Iran’s strategic manoeuvring via proxy groups like the Houthis. The incident may prompt increased military support for Yemeni forces and further complicate the path to sustainable peace in Yemen.
Read Ibrahim Jalal’s article at the Middle East Institute: https://www.mei.edu/publications/houthis-red-sea-missile-and-drone-attack-drivers-and-implications
Comments are closed