12 January 2024 , 14:53
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The Houthi rebels are "eager to take the US directly on" with retaliation to US and UK missiles strikes which could cause a "5% increase in inflation" and escalation in the region, an expert has warned.
The US Air Force said they hit over 60 targets in Yemen, including places where they control things, store weapons, launch attacks, make stuff, and have radar.
Since late November, the Iran-supported Houthis in Yemen have been attacking big ships in the Red Sea. They say they're going after ships that have something to do with Israel.
READ MORE: Houthis issue chilling threat to US after missile strikes see tensions explode
Joe Biden fears inflation could rise following the missile attacks, an expert has claimed (AFP via Getty Images)The Red Sea is super important for ships, and when it gets attacked, it messes up trade all over the world. The price of oil went up by 4% because of this. Tesla has even stopped making cars at its factory in Germany for a bit because of these attacks.
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Now, some of the biggest companies that send stuff across the sea and the oil company BP are taking their ships on longer trips to avoid the Red Sea. To help keep ships safe, the US and other countries have started a new team.
Biden has said that the US and its allies will not tolerate constant attacks on the Red Sea by militants (AFP via Getty Images)Professor of International Relations at the University of Essex, Natasha Lindstaedt exclusively told The Mirror that more attacks could happen and it might lead to "tit-for-tat" fights. She said: "I see a tit-for-tat taking place in the Red Sea, with shipping having to divert and possible US and UK targets in the Middle East targeted by the Houthis, with the US and the UK responding."
The attacks could mean an end to the relative peace Yemen has enjoyed since 2022, an expert has said (AFP via Getty Images)"Unfortunately, the Gaza war is escalating, something that the US and the UK were trying to avoid. It also could mean an end to the relative peace that Yemen has enjoyed since 2022. Unlike in 2016 when the US attack on the Houthis, stopped further attacks, the Houthis seem too eager to take the US on directly."
HoutAbdel-Malik al-Houthi has issued a chilling warning to the US (aljazeera)The Houthi leader warned America that they would hit back hard if attacked. Abdel-Malik al-Houthi, the rebel boss, stated: "Any American attack will not remain without a response. The response will be greater than the attack that was carried out with 20 drones and a number of missiles."
Even though the Houthis say their attacks on Yemen will be the "greatest folly in history", they "can't really threaten the US and UK but can threaten their interests."
Professor Natasha Lindstaedt said Houthis is eager to take the US directly on (No credit)Professor Lindstaedt has warned that the Houthis can't directly threaten the US and UK, but they can disrupt their interests due to the Red Sea's importance in global trade. "I still don't think Hezbollah will get involved. Ultimately the biggest cost will be on the Houthis and civilians in Yemen, since their own port in Hudeidah is likely to face disruption which brings in $1 billion in revenues for the Houthis." they added.
The Red Sea is a crucial route for oil, natural gas, grain, and various goods heading to the Suez Canal, which handles 12% of global trade. The expert believes most countries will offer support to resolve the potential Red Sea shipping crisis. "Iran is already involved by its constant support of the Houthis, but this will likely be ramped up. Most countries do not want to get involved or tie it to the war in Gaza", Lindstaedt said.
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