Tensions in the Red Sea have flared up once again as the United States launched a massive wave of airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels over the weekend. These strikes were in direct response to continued attacks by the Houthis on military and commercial vessels passing through one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. The conflict, which has been simmering for months, has now escalated dramatically, with both sides showing no signs of backing down.

The Houthis, a Zaydi Shi’ite rebel group from northern Yemen, were originally founded in the late 1990s with the goal of reviving their sect’s traditions. Over time, their struggle evolved into an armed rebellion against the Yemeni government and Saudi Arabia, leading to their eventual control over large portions of Yemen. In recent months, they have repeatedly targeted international ships in the Red Sea, claiming that their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The brief pause in attacks in January, following a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, ended abruptly last week when the Houthis announced that they would resume their strikes, citing Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza as justification.

Saturday’s US airstrikes targeted several key locations, including the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, and the Saada province, a stronghold of the Iran-backed group near the Saudi border. According to the Houthi-controlled Health Ministry, at least 53 people lost their lives, including five women and two children, while nearly 100 others were injured. This marks the first time the US has directly engaged the Houthis since Donald Trump began his second term in January. Unlike previous military operations carried out in coordination with Israel and the United Kingdom, these latest strikes were conducted solely by US forces.

Following the strikes, President Trump vowed that the US would continue to use overwhelming force until the Houthis stopped their attacks on shipping. He also warned Iran—long suspected of supplying the Houthis with weapons and intelligence—that it would be held accountable for their actions. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made it clear that these military operations would persist until the Houthis were no longer able to threaten international trade routes. He described the strikes as being far more aggressive than those conducted under the previous Biden administration.

In response, Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi delivered a defiant televised address, vowing to retaliate against the US with further escalation. He specifically threatened to launch missile and drone attacks on US warships operating in the region. True to their word, the Houthis claimed on Sunday that they had targeted the USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier strike group in the Red Sea. However, a US defense official later reported that over a 12-hour period, the Houthis had launched 11 drones and at least one missile, all of which were intercepted before causing any damage. Ten drones were shot down by US Air Force fighter jets, while a US Navy F/A-18 jet neutralized the last one. The missile, meanwhile, landed harmlessly in the sea, failing to hit any US vessel.

As the situation deteriorates, the United Nations has issued an urgent call for restraint, warning of the severe humanitarian consequences of continued fighting. Yemen, already one of the poorest nations in the Arab world, has been devastated by years of war, and further escalation could push the country deeper into crisis. In a statement, the UN stressed that prolonged conflict could destabilize the entire region, fueling cycles of violence and worsening conditions for millions of civilians caught in the crossfire.

Amidst this growing conflict, Iran has once again denied any direct involvement in Houthi military operations, despite ongoing accusations from the US and its allies. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the US strikes, urging Washington to halt its military actions in both Gaza and Yemen. In a post on social media, he lashed out at the US, stating that it had no right to dictate Iran’s foreign policy. He also blamed the US for supporting what he described as “genocide and terrorism,” calling for an end to attacks on Yemeni civilians.

The escalation in the Red Sea is already having economic repercussions, with crude oil prices rising in response to fears of potential disruptions to global shipping. On Monday, Brent crude prices climbed by 72 cents, reaching $71.30 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also saw an increase, reaching $67.90 per barrel. The uncertainty surrounding the conflict has left traders wary of prolonged instability in one of the world’s most crucial maritime trade routes. With both the US and the Houthis standing firm in their positions, there appears to be no immediate path to de-escalation. The situation remains dangerously volatile, with the potential for further escalation in the days ahead.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.