:format(webp)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/grupoclarin/EFPBHO3QG5DSTAZ36UHZ75CHZM.jpg "Attacks on Yemen rebels put spotlight on war in impoverished country")
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S.-led air offensive against Yemen’s Houthi rebels for their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea refocused international attention Friday on the war that has ravaged the nation for years. poorest in the Arab world, while threats to shipping in the Middle East continue.
At dawn, bombings lit up the sky in several places controlled by the Iranian-backed rebels. Saudi Arabia sought to quickly distance itself from the attacks in an attempt to maintain a delicate detente with Iran and a ceasefire in the war in Yemen, from which it hopes to finally withdraw.
For its part, the US Navy acknowledged an attack that occurred days earlier against a ship in the far reaches of the Indian Ocean — which could indicate Iran’s willingness to attack vessels as part of a broader maritime campaign over Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. In addition, Tehran seized on Thursday an oil tanker that had been involved in a previous crisis with Washington, which confiscated its cargo: crude oil affected by international sanctions on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program.
Although the extent of the damage was not immediately clear, the Houthis said at least five locations, including airfields, had been attacked. Hussein al-Ezzi, a Houthi foreign ministry official, acknowledged “a massive attack with American and British ships, submarines and warplanes.”
“The United States and the United Kingdom will undoubtedly have to prepare to pay a high price and suffer the dire consequences of this blatant aggression,” al-Ezzi wrote online.
Yemen has been the target of US military action under the administrations of its last four presidents. Under George W. Bush, a campaign of drone attacks against the local affiliate of Al Qaeda began, an initiative that has continued under Joe Biden. On the other hand, Washington has carried out raids and other military operations in the midst of the ongoing armed conflict in the country.
That war began when the Houthis entered the capital, Sanaa, in 2014. A Saudi-led coalition, including the United Arab Emirates, launched a campaign to support the Yemeni government in exile in 2015, which transformed the conflict into a regional confrontation as Iran provides weapons and other aid to the rebels.
The war, however, has slowed as the Houthis maintain control over the territories they captured. The Emirates was attacked by rebel missiles several times in 2022, but after emerging from the conflict, Saudi Arabia reached an agreement with Iran — brokered by China — to ease tension in hopes of withdrawing from the conflict.
At the moment there is no global pact, which may have motivated the message of “great concern” launched on Friday by Riyadh after the air offensive.
“Although the kingdom highlights the importance of maintaining security and stability in the Red Sea region (…) it calls for moderation and to avoid an escalation,” said a statement from its Foreign Ministry.
There was no immediate reaction in Iran.
On the other hand, the US Navy confirmed on Friday an attack that occurred days earlier near the coasts of India and Sri Lanka. The Pacific Gold chemical tanker was hit on January 4 by what authorities described as a “unilateral Iranian attack” with a drone, which caused some damage to the vessel but left no injuries.
“Iran’s actions are contrary to international law and threaten maritime security and stability,” said Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the 5th Fleet, based in the Middle East.
The Pacific Gold is managed by Eastern Pacific Shipping, a Singapore-based shipping company that is ultimately controlled by Israeli millionaire Idan Ofer. Eastern Pacific, as well as Indian and Sri Lankan officials, did not respond to multiple requests for comment from The Associated Press about the incident. The shipping company had already been the target of other alleged Iranian attacks.
The incident had been confirmed to the AP by a private security official. The attack was first reported by the Lebanese network Al-Mayadeen, politically affiliated with Hezbollah and which has already announced other attacks linked to Tehran in the region. Iran has not claimed responsibility.