Houthi Rebels in Yemen Mourn Fighters Killed in US and UK Airstrikes

The Houthi rebels in Sana'a, Yemen, are mourning the loss of fighters killed in US and UK airstrikes last week. This incident marks the highest human toll since the rebels were targeted in the Red Sea.

On Monday, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels held a public funeral in the capital for more than a dozen fighters they claim were killed in the airstrikes. The rebels reported a death toll of 16, making it one of the deadliest strikes since the US and Britain launched a campaign in January to deter Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The conflict between the Houthi rebels and the US and UK has significant implications for global trade and security, since the Red Sea is a critical shipping route. The escalation of violence could lead to further disruptions in global trade and increased tensions in the region.

Hundreds of mourners gathered outside Al-Shaab Mosque, carrying coffins and pictures of the deceased fighters. Houthi fighters dressed in blue ceremonial garb staged a military parade. Ahmed Abdulatif, a relative of one of the dead fighters, voiced his anger, saying, "My message to US and Israel... and those coordinating with them, is what you have done in Gaza and Yemen, we won't forget. We won't forget how many women and babies you have killed."

The US military's Central Command stated that 13 Houthi facilities were targeted in Friday's strikes. The British defense ministry mentioned that the attacks targeted buildings identified as housing drone ground control facilities and providing storage for very long-range drones, plus surface-to-air weapons.

Despite the airstrikes, the Houthis have vowed to continue targeting US and British vessels, plus all ships heading to Israeli ports. Ahmad Al-Bashri, deputy governor of rebel-held Hodeida, declared, "We will not back down. We tell the Americans: not only do we reserve the right to respond, but also that a response is coming."

The Houthi attacks have forced commercial vessels to divert from the shipping route, which normally carries about 12 percent of global trade. This is not the first time the Houthis have held a mass funeral for fighters killed in US and British strikes; in February, they held a funeral for 17 fighters.

The crisis began on October 19, 2023, when the Iran-backed Ansar Allah Houthi movement launched missiles and armed drones at Israel, demanding an end to the invasion of the Gaza Strip. Since then, the Houthis have seized and launched aerial attacks against dozens of merchant and naval vessels in the Red Sea, drawing hundreds of air strikes on missile sites and other targets by US and allied forces.

The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2722 in January 2024, condemning the Houthi attacks and affirming freedom of maritime passage. The US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian was launched to protect Red Sea shipping, including bombings of Houthi-controlled sites in Yemen and attacks on Houthi vessels in the Red Sea.

The Houthis have attacked vessels in the Red Sea on more than 60 occasions from October 2023 to March 2024, indiscriminately targeting ships of various nations. The group has declared that they consider any Israel-linked ship as a target and will not stop until Israel ceases its war on Hamas.

The situation remains tense, with the Houthis determined to continue their campaign against US and British vessels, while the US and UK are committed to deterring Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Key Takeaways

• Houthi rebels mourn 16 fighters killed in US and UK airstrikes in Yemen.
• Airstrikes targeted Houthi facilities, including drone control and storage sites.
• Houthis vow to continue targeting US, UK, and Israel-linked vessels in Red Sea.
• Conflict disrupts global trade, with 12% of global trade passing through Red Sea.
• US and UK committed to deterring Houthi attacks on ships in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.