US Launches Operation Poseidon Archer Against Houthis in Yemen

Date: January 22, 2024

News Type: International Military Operation

Country: United States, Yemen

Location: Yemen

In a decisive military action, the United States, supported by its allies, has launched Operation Poseidon Archer, targeting Houthi forces in Yemen. This operation, announced on January 12, 2024, represents a significant escalation in the U.S. military’s involvement in the region. It aims to counteract the threat posed by the Iran-backed Houthi militia, which has been targeting international shipping in the Red Sea. The operation includes a series of defensive strikes against Houthi military targets, specifically focusing on their missile, radar, and unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities. President Joe Biden has emphasized that these actions are taken to protect international commerce and navigation in one of the world’s most critical

In a recent series of military actions, the United States, in coordination with its allies, has initiated Operation Poseidon Archer to target Houthi forces in Yemen. This operation is a response to the Houthi militia’s continued assaults on international shipping in the Red Sea.

Strategic Objectives and Execution

• The primary goal of Operation Poseidon Archer is to address the threat posed by the Houthi group’s missile and drone attacks on commercial ships and U.S. Navy vessels in the region. This operation has involved air and missile strikes targeting Houthi radar systems, missile storage, and launch sites across Yemen. The United States, alongside the United Kingdom, with additional support from Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and Bahrain, carried out these strikes. These actions reflect the international community’s united stance against threats to global maritime security and freedom of navigation in critical commercial routes.

Increasing Tensions and Houthi Response

• Despite warnings from Washington and its allies, the Houthis have escalated their activities, conducting multiple drone and missile attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea. These provocations have drawn in American warships, with U.S. destroyers intercepting numerous drones and missiles since November. The Houthi movement, backed by Iran, has claimed that their attacks are in support of the Palestinians in response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

International and Regional Implications

• The U.S. administration, under increasing political and strategic pressure, has taken a more assertive stance with these strikes. This response comes amidst other significant foreign policy challenges, including support for Ukraine post-Russia’s invasion and ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Moreover, the situation raises concerns about the possibility of a broader regional conflict, especially considering the involvement of Iranian proxies in the escalating maritime confrontations.

Operation Prosperity Guardian and Defensive Measures

• Parallel to Operation Poseidon Archer, the U.S. has been leading Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational maritime task force established to police the affected waterways and deter Houthi activities. This operation has seen the successful interception of over 80 drones and several Houthi ballistic and anti-ship missiles, primarily targeting commercial shipping.

Recent Developments and Future Prospects

• Recent events have seen increased U.S. military activity in the region, including the seizure of Iranian-manufactured ballistic missile and cruise missile components and sinking Houthi boats by U.S. Navy helicopters. The Biden administration has redesignated the Houthi group as a “terrorist” organization, which might have significant repercussions for the group’s operations and Yemeni civilians. The situation remains dynamic, with potential implications for regional stability and international trade, particularly concerning the safety of commercial routes in the Red Sea.

Operation Poseidon Archer marks a critical juncture in the U.S.‘s involvement in Yemen and the Red Sea region. By targeting Houthi forces, the U.S. and its allies aim to safeguard vital international shipping routes and maintain regional stability. The operation’s success and its repercussions will be closely monitored, as they hold significant implications for future military and diplomatic engagements in the Middle East.