Biden’s Houthi Policy Shift Raises Saudi Attack Risk, Escalates Tensions
★ YEMEN
1.Renewed Saudi Attack Risk Rises from Biden’s Drastic Houthi Policy Shift
The U.S. imposed new sanctions on August 15, 2024, targeting Houthi and Hezbollah trade networks linked to Iranian oil and LPG shipments to Yemen and the UAE. These networks, led by Sa’id al-Jamal, allegedly fund Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping and civilian infrastructure. The U.S. condemned the Houthi seizure of the UN Human Rights office in Sana’a, citing their ongoing aggression and disregard for international norms. Increasing economic pressure on the Houthis raises the risk of renewed attacks on Saudi Arabia. Recent reports indicate Saudi air force strikes on Houthi-controlled areas, further highlighting the growing national security risks for the Kingdom. The Biden administration’s recent reversal of policies towards Saudi Arabia, including lifting the arms sales ban, highlights a significant shift.
2.Houthi Attacks Escalate in Red Sea, U.S. Response Remains Restrained
Houthi assaults in the Red Sea intensified on August 14, 2024, with drone attacks on tankers Delta Atlantica and On Phoenix. Delta Atlantica successfully disabled a drone boat 63 nautical miles southwest of Al Hudaydah, avoiding significant damage. On August 15, at 1:10 PM, Houthi rebels approached two floating armories near Eritrea, including Sinbad Navigation’s barge Siam. Armed Houthi-flagged boats were involved, and later, Chinese PMSC Sinoguards’ armory Sunny Ocean was attacked, requiring Italian warship intervention. The U.S. military destroyed two Houthi-operated boats in the Red Sea later that day, maintaining a restrained response. Sayyed Abdul-Malik al-Houthi declared inevitable retaliation against Israel by the Axis of Resistance, dismissing U.S. deterrence. Yemen, he stated, will continue military actions supporting Palestine, targeting Israeli and U.S. interests. Houthi attacks on Red Sea vessels disrupt shipping routes, raising freight rates and causing congestion despite U.S. mitigation efforts.
