According to a report by Sky News Arabia, citing an official from the U.S. Defense Department, the Houthi rebels in Yemen are allegedly making plans to target American military bases in the Arab region. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in Yemen and poses new challenges to U.S. interests in the area.
The Houthis, a group operating in Yemen, were removed from the list of terrorist organizations by the Biden Administration in February 2021. This decision came just a month after former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had designated them as a terrorist group. Recent reports, however, indicate that the Biden administration is reconsidering its stance and is planning to re-designate the Houthis as “global terrorists.”
The Houthi group’s history of military aggression dates back several years. In 2014, they captured a large portion of northern Yemen, including the capital, Sana’a, with support from Iran, leading to the government’s exile. A coalition led by Saudi Arabia was formed in March 2015 to restore the Yemeni government. In a notable incident in November 2021, the Houthis invaded the U.S. embassy in Sana’a, which had been closed due to the war, and looted it.
The Houthis have demonstrated their capability to launch sophisticated attacks. In January 2022, they fired two ballistic missiles at Al-Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where 2,000 American troops were stationed. The U.S. forces responded by going into bunkers and launching Patriot missiles, successfully neutralizing the threat.
Currently, the Houthis control a majority of Yemen and have been accused of human rights violations, including weaponizing water by placing landmines near water facilities. They have also been actively engaging in drone and missile attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea since November.
In response to the growing threat from the Houthis, the U.S. and U.K. have conducted airstrikes against Houthi targets, supported by several allied nations. U.S. Central Command recently confirmed the seizure of Iranian-made ballistic missile and cruise missile components intended for the Houthis, highlighting the increasing complexity and international dimensions of the Yemen conflict.