The American magazine Newsweek commented on the qualitative capabilities of the military operations carried out by the Yemeni naval forces (Sana’a Forces) in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, considering this as a threat against the US naval forces.
Houthis’ anti-ship missiles are not only comparable, but also outperform the capabilities of most countries.
According to the magazine, the Houthi forces have shown their ability to launch thousands of strikes on Saudi Arabia over the years, demonstrating the rapid replenishment of stockpiles of missiles and drones, and they can intensify the scale of naval strikes.
“ Safeguarding every commercial vessel moving through the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait in and out of the Red Sea would prove a nightmare, yet if more civilian ships come under attack, Washington may find it harder and harder to resist pressure to act,” the magazine said.
“We are likely to see a continuation or increase in naval attacks because the Houthis are an actor that is very difficult to deter.”
The magazine added that the United States has two options: bring in more warships to protect merchant ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and strengthen their presence in the region.
Many analysts describe the US Navy as overstretched, and reinforcing its ships around the Red Sea would lead to costs elsewhere.
