The Houthi rebels have issued a stern warning to the United States, stating that they will not hesitate to attack American interests in the Middle East if the US intervenes in the Yemen conflict. According to Abed Mohammed al-Thawr, a rebel military official, any US military intervention in support of Saudi Arabia would be considered a "line rouge." The warning comes amid reports that US President Trump had considered launching airstrikes against the Houthis but ultimately decided against it.
In an interview with AFP in Sanaa, al-Thawr emphasized that the Houthis would take action if the US were to intervene militarily. He stated that if the US "tries to take control of Bab el-Mandeb, it's a red line for us and for all others... We will fight for that." The Houthis consider the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a crucial waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, to be of strategic importance.
The Houthi rebels' warning comes in response to reports that the US had planned to launch airstrikes against the group. According to The New York Times, the US had prepared to launch attacks against the Houthis on Sunday but cancelled them at the last minute. The newspaper reported that the US had been planning to respond to Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing since 2015, with the Houthis, backed by Iran, fighting against the Saudi-backed government. The US has provided intelligence and logistical support to Saudi Arabia, but has not directly intervened in the conflict. The Houthis' warning suggests that any US intervention could lead to a significant escalation of the conflict.
The Houthis' threat to target US interests in the Middle East is not idle. The group has been responsible for several attacks on Saudi Arabian targets, including missile strikes on Riyadh. The group's capabilities have raised concerns among US and Saudi officials, who fear that the Houthis could pose a significant threat to regional stability.
The US decision to cancel airstrikes against the Houthis suggests that the Trump administration is weighing its options carefully. The administration has been criticized for its support of Saudi Arabia in the Yemen conflict, with some lawmakers arguing that the US should not be involved in a war that has caused significant humanitarian suffering.
The situation in Yemen remains volatile, with the humanitarian situation continuing to deteriorate. The conflict has caused widespread famine and disease, with millions of Yemenis in need of aid. The Houthis' warning to the US has added to the uncertainty, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region.
Key points
- The Houthi rebels warn of attacks on US interests if America intervenes in Yemen conflict.
