U.S. strikes on Houthi missile targets: A tactical move for maritime security

The United States' first preemptive action in Yemen

Houthi troopers patrol at a shrine of slain Houthi fighters, in Sana'a, Yemen, 17 January 2024. The United States announced the designation of Yemen's Houthis as a global terror group amid an escalation of their attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden since November 2023. The US Department of Defense had announced in December 2023 a multinational operation to safeguard trade and to protect ships in the Red Sea amid the recent escalation in Houthi attacks. Houthis vowed to keep up attacks on Israeli-bound ships and prevent them from navigating in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait in retaliation for Israel's airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, according to statements by Houthis' military spokesman Yahya Sarea. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB Dostawca: PAP/EPA.

Images source: © PAP | PAP/EPA/YAHYA ARHAB

4:41 AM EST, January 18, 2024

In a notable shift in its military strategy, the United States carried out its first preemptive strike against Houthi targets in Yemen. This action neutralized four anti-ship ballistic missiles in the launch preparation stage. This strike represents the first instance of the U.S. employing an "imminent self-defense strike" against such threats. The operation was confirmed by a U.S. defense official, who emphasized the imminent danger these missiles posed to both commercial and U.S. Navy ships in the region.

Challenges and implications of the preemptive strategy

Carrying out preemptive strikes against Houthi missiles is a complex and resource-intensive operation. It involves extensive intelligence gathering and readiness to act on time-sensitive targets. The complexity lies in the need for a large-scale, persistent surveillance and reconnaissance operation over vast areas of Yemen. The Houthis, experienced in combat against the Saudi-led coalition, have dispersed their capabilities and constantly moved their weapons, making targeting challenging. Despite the difficulty, such operations are crucial in reducing the Houthis' ability to target ships, although eliminating this threat remains a significant challenge.

Recent developments and future outlook

The preemptive strike followed a recent attack by the Houthis, where an anti-ship ballistic missile hit the U.S.-owned bulk cargo ship M/V Gibraltar Eagle. This incident underlines the persistent threat posed by the Houthis in the region. While the U.S. has demonstrated its capability to respond to immediate threats, the ongoing challenge will be maintaining this vigilance and operational capacity to ensure maritime security in the region. The situation underscores the need for continued strategic and tactical planning to safeguard critical shipping lanes against emerging threats.

The U.S. military's recent actions in Yemen mark a pivotal moment in its approach to handling the Houthi threat. While effective in the short term, the complexity and resource demands of such operations raise questions about their sustainability and long-term impact.