According to the latest reports of the conflict, the Houthis not only managed to shoot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone worth more than $50 million, but also destroyed a British freighter and two American freighters. The Observer described it as "one of the most devastating attacks" carried out by the Houthis, drawing global attention. So, let's dive into what exactly happened in this high-profile conflict
First, we have to pay attention to the Houthis, which have long been nicknamed the "Slipper Army". They have not only achieved some results in the Red Sea, but also demonstrated their powerful strike capabilities in all directions at sea, in the air and under the water. not only shot down the US military's first-class drone, but also successfully destroyed the British freighter, which is impressive. This is not the first time they have shot down a drone of the same type last November, showing that their strength is growing.
At the same time, the joint US-British air raids did not weaken the Houthis, on the contrary, their underwater strike capabilities gradually emerged, destroying an unmanned underwater vehicle. This means that the Houthis may already have the all-round strike capability of ballistic missiles, drones, submarines and unmanned boats. Such a display of strength has put a lot of pressure on the United States and Britain.
In this tense atmosphere, the U.S. Command announced that within an hour in the Red Sea, U.S. warplanes and coalition forces successfully shot down six Houthi drones. It was a strong response that clearly expressed the strong dissatisfaction of the United States with the Houthis. Despite some victories at sea by the Houthis, the United States is determined not to be taken lightly by the "slipper army". This series of actions sends a clear signal that the United States will stop at nothing to suppress the Houthis in the Red Sea and will not allow them to continue to expand.
However, the problems behind it are gradually revealed. In the face of such a powerful coalition force, the Houthis did not show weakness, but showed toughness. This competition is not only unfolding in the two dimensions of sea and air, but even underwater combat power is beginning to appear. The situation of the United States in the Red Sea has become awkward, either seriously facing the challenge of the Houthis or facing an embarrassing situation that is seen as an international joke. For the United States, which is the "world hegemon," this is not an easy choice.
Overall, the strong rise of the Houthis has made the international situation confusing. Their achievements were not only on the battlefield, but also psychologically posed a severe challenge to the United States, Britain and other Western countries. This is no longer the so-called "slipper army" in the past, but a force with all-round strike capabilities. The pressure on the United States in the Red Sea is remarkable, and they need to reassess the threat of the Houthis and develop a more informed response. It remains to be seen how this conflict will evolve. This is no longer just a military contest, but a huge chess piece in the international political chess game, which has aroused global attention and raised our concerns about the future.