Drone Attack On Red Sea Oil Tanker Highlights Flaws In Biden’s Yemen Approach
The recent drone strike on an oil tanker in the Red Sea has spotlighted the shortcomings of President Joe Biden’s strategy in Yemen. The attack, which occurred about 100 nautical miles northwest of Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah, has raised alarms about potential environmental damage and the ongoing conflict in the region.
Iran-backed Houthis carried out the attack, striking the tanker’s portside and escalating their campaign against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis have stated that these actions are in support of Palestinians amid the conflict in Gaza.
Biden’s Operation Prosperity Guardian, designed to limit Houthi influence in the area, has faced growing criticism. Despite efforts by the U.S. military, Biden conceded in January that these strikes were not deterring Houthi attacks on shipping lanes. “When you say working, are they stopping the Houthis, no. Are they going to continue, yes,” Biden acknowledged.
The Houthis released footage of the drone strike, adding to the U.S.’s embarrassment. This follows their capture of a $30 million U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone in May, highlighting their increasing capabilities and the ineffectiveness of U.S. interventions.
The attack on the oil tanker has not only raised fears of an oil spill but also questioned the effectiveness of Biden’s Yemen strategy. Critics argue that instead of curbing the Houthi threat, U.S. actions have led to a broader range of attacks, now extending into the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean.
As the conflict in Yemen continues, the limitations of Operation Prosperity Guardian are becoming more apparent. The ongoing violence poses significant risks to international shipping routes and regional security. This situation underscores the need for a reassessment of U.S. policies to address the evolving threats in the region effectively.
