Posted on 12/19/2023 4:01:01 PM PST by artichokegrower
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has announced a new military effort in the Middle East: Operation Prosperity Guardian. It will bring together a coalition of nations to safeguard the dangerous waters of the Red Sea, North Arabian Sea and western Indian Ocean from surprisingly sophisticated attacks by Iranian-sponsored terrorists from the Houthi rebellion in Yemen.
In recent weeks, the Houthis have conducted an escalating series of attacks against merchant shipping using drones, ballistic missiles and commandos on helicopters and speedboats. As a video released by the Houthis shows, these well-equipped teams move with military precision.
(Excerpt) Read more at gcaptain.com ...
How about the Ukranian city of Pripyat? I hear it’s vacant. Or maybe Fukushima, Japan.
CC
*************
That's not very encouraging. If I owned a shipping company I'd start taking the longer Cape of Good Hope route.
… not by talking…..
The US Military has the means to end the Houthi threat. What is missing is the political will or moral courage to do so.
I presume the article meant “US-Led...” (Lead naval vessels are not very buoyant and will really upset the enviro-whackos.)
Biden will reverse Trump’s decision to label Yemen’s Houthis as terrorists
https://www.vox.com/2021/2/5/22269255/biden-yemen-houthis-terrorist-organization
There is no end to the malice and incompetence of this administration. I hope the 8-million that voted for him are proud.
and the ROE? are they allowed to hit the source???
As long as those sophisticated warships remain on station and if the Houthis continue to deploy relatively simple drones and missiles, they can prevent damage to themselves and the ships they escort deploying their sophisticated defensive weapons. However they cannot stop the attacks unless the resupply from Iran is stopped or there are aggressive countermeasures taken against the Houthis. Furthermore these drone systems, shore to ship and small craft to ship missiles are becoming more accurate, stealthy and lethal as they are being constantly re engineered and updated by many countries and companies. Also the operating systems are becoming increasingly simplified so that uneducated , solitary soldiers can and will deploy them.
In short unless the Houthis are dealt with in a definitive, severe manner, this operation will be very prolonged, expensive and eventually the Houthis will score some significant hits as their weapons get better.
Does this seem a little too preplanned? It is interesting to see the US navy ships funneled into an area like sitting ducks with the Houthi’s sending out the ludicrous jet pilot video to give the impression that they are alone in this.
How much of the Houthis plunder is being kicked back to DC?
No,
They are firing missiles. Either US would have to go ashore and take them out or they can just react to each missile and hope to shot it down.
No, this won’t work. They’re not going to invade Yemen to stop the missile launches, and they’re not going to interfere with Obama’s Iranian buddies who are arming the Houthis, so it is destined to fail.
The 5 largest shipping companies have already announced they will avoid the Red Sea and go around Africa instead. Not sure they will change those plans now that several nations have joined the patrol but I’m guessing it all depends on what the insurance cost will be if they go via the Red Sea.
Yep, once again it is hostile Muslims blocking an important trade route. Can we end the ship attacks? Of course. Will the Navy (and other navies involved) be allowed to? We’ll have to see. The fact that the Houthis (never heard of Yemenis being a military power) have ballistic missiles that can hit a moving ship is a troubling thought. And cheap drones being shot down with missiles costing millions doesn’t bode well either.
Neocons wanted a proxy war with Russia. Now they have one.
“..Can The US-Lead Naval Force End Houthi Ship Attacks?...”
Not unless ships can fire on the Houthis launch sites - counter fire. We’re knocking down the missiles and drones now, but not going after the launch sites. Why???
What is missing most of all is: (1) a national interest at stake, and (2) the justification to do so under international law.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.