Houthis remain undefeated! The U.S. admits failure in stopping them

The Houthi rebels in Yemen continue to assert their military capabilities, recently targeting a ship in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which is crucial for international shipping. This attack has drawn attention to the Houthis' ongoing campaign against vessels they associate with Israel, the U.S., or the U.K., as part of their broader strategy linked to the conflict in Gaza.

Key Highlights:​

• Recent Attack: A vessel traveling through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait reportedly came under attack, marking the end of an 18-day lull in Houthi assaults. The ship's captain reported two explosions nearby, although the crew remained safe. This incident is part of a series of attacks that have disrupted maritime traffic in the region, which is vital for global trade.
• Houthi Justification: The Houthis claim that their attacks on ships are aimed at pressuring nations involved in supporting Israel's military actions against Hamas. They have targeted over 90 merchant vessels since the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October 2023.
• U.S. Response: The U.S. has expressed its failure to effectively counter Houthi operations in the region, acknowledging the challenges posed by these attacks. The situation has raised concerns about maritime security and the potential for further escalations.
• Military Strategy: The Houthis have demonstrated their ability to strike at maritime targets, which poses significant risks not only to military vessels but also to commercial shipping. This capability is seen as a reflection of their growing military sophistication, often attributed to support from Iran.
• Regional Implications: The ongoing conflict and Houthi actions could lead to increased tensions between regional powers, particularly as Iran continues to support the Houthis militarily. The situation complicates efforts for peace and stability in Yemen and surrounding areas.

Conclusion​

The resilience and continued military actions of the Houthi rebels underscore the complexities of the conflict in Yemen and its implications for regional security. As they target vessels associated with perceived adversaries, including those linked to Western nations, it becomes evident that the Houthis remain a formidable force. The international community will need to address these developments carefully to prevent further escalation and ensure maritime safety in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1852101979956302130

 

[AbdulQadir7]

A new resistance group known as Bani Hashish has emerged in Yemen, mobilizing local tribes to declare their readiness to confront any perceived Zionist-American escalation against Yemen. This development highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and reflects the broader geopolitical dynamics involving Yemen, Iran, and Western nations.

Key Points​

1. Formation of Bani Hashish:
   • The Bani Hashish group is reportedly composed of various tribal factions that have come together to resist external influences and aggression, particularly from Israel and the United States. Their formation signifies a response to perceived threats and a commitment to defending their sovereignty.
2. Mobilization of Tribes:
   • The tribes involved in Bani Hashish have expressed a strong willingness to unite against any military actions that could affect Yemen's stability. This mobilization indicates a growing sense of solidarity among local communities in the face of external pressures.
3. Geopolitical Context:
   • The emergence of this group occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East, where regional conflicts often draw in external powers. The situation in Yemen has been complicated by the ongoing civil war, with various factions vying for control and influence, including the Houthis, who are supported by Iran.
4. Response to Escalation:
   • Bani Hashish’s declaration is framed as a proactive measure to deter potential escalations from foreign powers. This reflects a broader trend in which local groups assert their agency and readiness to defend their interests amid shifting geopolitical landscapes.
5. Implications for Stability:
   • The rise of resistance groups like Bani Hashish could further complicate the already volatile situation in Yemen. Their activities may lead to increased conflict or resistance against foreign involvement, impacting humanitarian efforts and peace negotiations.

Conclusion​

The formation of the Bani Hashish resistance group underscores the complexities of Yemen's ongoing conflict and the interplay between local and international dynamics. As they prepare to confront perceived threats, their actions will likely influence the broader landscape of resistance movements in the region, highlighting the importance of addressing underlying issues to foster stability and peace in Yemen.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1873821367445094458

 

[AbdulQadir7]

The British crude oil tanker Cordelia Moon has been at the center of escalating tensions in the Red Sea after it reportedly refused to heed warnings from the Yemeni Navy. The Yemeni Armed Forces (YAF) took decisive action to prevent the vessel from heading towards what they refer to as Occupied Palestine.

Key Details of the Incident​

1. Attack on the Cordelia Moon:
   • On October 1, 2024, the YAF launched a coordinated attack on the Cordelia Moon, utilizing eight ballistic and cruise missiles, a drone, and an unmanned surface vessel (USV). Footage released by Yemeni military media shows significant damage to the tanker, with smoke billowing from the ship as a result of the strikes. Fortunately, all crew members reported no major injuries.
2. Reasons for Targeting:
   • The Houthis justified their actions by stating that they would continue military operations against vessels perceived to be associated with Israeli interests until aggression against Gaza and Lebanon ceases. The YAF has claimed responsibility for targeting a total of 188 vessels in response to ongoing conflicts involving Israel.
3. Yemen's Naval Capabilities:
   • The incident underscores Yemen's growing naval capabilities and willingness to assert control over maritime routes in the region. The Yemeni leadership has vowed to enforce a naval blockade against what they term as "Israeli occupation," indicating a broader strategy of deterrence against foreign vessels.
4. International Reactions:
   • The attack has raised concerns among international shipping entities regarding safety in the Red Sea, an essential maritime route for global trade. The British maritime agency confirmed the attack and noted that while damage occurred, there were no casualties among the crew.
5. Broader Context:
   • This incident is part of a larger pattern of Houthi attacks on shipping since the escalation of conflict in Gaza, highlighting how regional conflicts can influence maritime security. The Houthis have also engaged in drone and missile strikes targeting Israeli interests, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
6. Current Status:
   • As of January 23, 2025, Yemen continues to assert its naval presence in the region, with ongoing military operations aimed at enforcing its objectives related to regional conflicts and maritime control.

Conclusion​

The situation surrounding the Cordelia Moon reflects significant tensions in maritime security influenced by regional conflicts. Yemen's actions demonstrate its capacity and willingness to challenge international shipping routes while asserting its stance against perceived aggressors. As these dynamics evolve, they will likely continue to impact global trade and regional stability in the Red Sea.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1841907820871983287

 

[JeremyVickers]

On January 22, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to re-designate the Houthis (Ansar Allah) in Yemen as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). This action reverses the Biden administration's earlier decision to remove the Houthis from the terrorist list, a move that had been implemented shortly after Biden took office in 2021.

Key Points of the Re-designation​

1. Background:
   • The Houthis were initially designated as a terrorist organization by Trump during his first term in January 2021. However, the Biden administration lifted this designation, citing concerns over humanitarian implications and the need for aid access amidst Yemen's ongoing civil war.
2. Reasons for Re-designation:
   • The White House cited numerous attacks attributed to the Houthis, including:
     • Firing at U.S. Navy warships.
     • Attacks on civilian infrastructure in partner nations.
     • Over 100 attacks on commercial vessels transiting through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which have endangered maritime security and contributed to global economic instability.
3. Executive Order Details:
   • The executive order directs Secretary of State Marco Rubio to prepare a report on the re-designation within 30 days and take appropriate actions following that report. It emphasizes cooperation with regional partners to counter Houthi operations and cut off their resources.
4. Impact on Humanitarian Aid:
   • Following the re-designation, the order mandates that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) terminate relationships with organizations that have financially supported the Houthis or ignored their actions. This raises concerns among humanitarian groups about potential disruptions to aid delivery to Yemen, where two-thirds of the population relies on assistance.
5. International Reactions:
   • The decision has been met with mixed reactions. While some Yemeni officials and Republican lawmakers support the designation as a means to curb Houthi aggression, humanitarian organizations warn it could exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
6. Strategic Implications:
   • The re-designation reflects a shift back toward a more aggressive U.S. stance on dealing with Iranian-backed groups in the region, aligning with Trump's broader strategy of countering Iranian influence.

Conclusion​

Trump's re-designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization marks a significant shift in U.S. policy towards Yemen and its ongoing conflict. As this designation takes effect, it will likely have profound implications for U.S.-Yemen relations, humanitarian efforts in the region, and broader geopolitical dynamics involving Iran and its proxies.