The Threat of Houthi Ballistic Missiles
An-Nahar, Lebanon, March 7
America and the West are currently grappling with significant decisions on how to address the escalating threat posed by the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The realization that these rebels, armed with heavy weaponry from Iran, pose a danger that transcends local boundaries and may evolve into a global conflict has raised red flags among international observers. The Houthi militias have targeted Western ships in Bab el-Mandeb Strait, causing economic disruptions and fueling inflation in Europe. Despite relentless air raids by the United States and Britain, the Houthis have persisted in their military operations, with naval assaults continuing to unfold. The Houthis’ alignment within the Iran-led axis of resistance hints at a broader concerted effort involving enhanced military cooperation between Tehran, Moscow, and Beijing. The Houthis made history by being the first to employ anti-ship ballistic missiles in combat, a technology originally obtained from China by Iran and later supplied to the Houthis along with an array of other weaponry, including ballistic missiles and drones. Iran’s proficiency in enhancing the accuracy and range of missiles poses a grave threat, as evidenced by Houthi missile strikes on Eilat, highlighting their potential to disrupt key maritime passages like the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s burgeoning military ties with Russia and China, together with the Houthis’ relentless assaults on Western warships utilizing sophisticated weaponry, mark an alarming development for Western nations. The coordinated nature of these attacks, supported by intelligence from Iranian assets and allies, serves as a strategic challenge that exceeds the Houthis’ intrinsic capabilities. Washington and its European partners are now contemplating a course of action to counter the Houthi threat and degrade Iran’s strategic influence in the region. However, the complexities surrounding a potential military initiative underscore the necessity of Arab Gulf state support, which remains uncertain. As pressure mounts for a definitive solution, Western powers are recognizing the urgency of addressing the Houthi threat to global security. The implications of the Houthi conflict in the Red Sea are profound, extending beyond local unrest. The prospect of allowing terrorist-designated groups like the Houthis to disrupt vital passages in the Middle East poses a formidable challenge that demands immediate attention from regional and global powers. In light of these considerations, it is imperative for Western nations to reassess their tolerance for the proliferation of ballistic missiles and irregular forces that could be exploited by geopolitical rivals. The threat posed by the Houthis must be met with a united front that prioritizes securing international waterways and combating the spread of advanced weaponry orchestrated by Iran and its proxies. —Riad Kahwaji (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
