Attacks by the U.S. and UK on Yemeni positions will not only fail to secure the occupied territories but, as Ansarullah's operations intensify, will escalate the already tense situation in West Asia towards a large-scale conflict.
ALWAGHT- Reacting to the Yemeni army's actions in the Red Sea targeting Zionist vessels and American forces over the past two months, the United States and the United Kingdom initiated an attack on more than 10 locations in Yemen on Friday morning, utilizing aircraft, ships, and submarines. According to statements from American authorities, the focal points of this assault included educational centers, airbases, and drone maintenance facilities affiliated with Ansarullah in Yemen. Following this assault, Ansarullah forces promptly fired a ground-to-sea missile at a U.S. ship in the Red Sea, showcasing their preparedness for various scenarios. The attacks by Washington and London on Yemen, coupled with Ansarullah's warnings of a severe response to the aggressors, have increased apprehensions about the onset of a new stage of conflict in the region. This comes as the Yemeni war, after nine years, seemed to be heading towards a political resolution.
To examine the details of the American coalition's attack on Yemen and the consequences of escalating tensions in the Red Sea, ALWAGHT has interviewed Jafar Qanadbashi, an expert on West Asia affairs.
Alwaght: At what magnitude did the United States and the United Kingdom execute the assault on Yemen, and were they successful in accomplishing their declared goals or not?
The U.S. and its allies' attack on Yemen not only fell short of its intended goal but also deviated from its primary objectives. They aimed to strike Ansarullah in a way that would ensure the security of Zionist ships and prevent future reactions from Yemenis. However, the involvement of countries like Australia and the Netherlands in these attacks led the targeting of their ships to become part of Ansarullah's legitimate objectives.
Hence, officials from Ansarullah have asserted that these attacks were imprudent and a significant blunder. Yemen, endowed with resources, reserves, and a steadfast population that has withstood the Saudi coalition's pressure for nine years, cannot be subdued by such assaults. Ansarullah, equipped with considerable capabilities, promptly mitigates any damage arising from these attacks. The challenges faced over the past nine years against the Arab coalition far outweigh the magnitude of the U.S. coalition's attacks. Such assaults will not compel the Yemenis to withdraw their support for the people of Gaza.
Alwaght: How will Ansarullah react to this assault?
In light of statements from Ansarullah indicating their reluctance to escalate tensions in the region, it is apparent that Sanaa's response to the coalition attacks led by Washington will be measured and deliberate. Yemen, situated along the shores of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, possesses several options to retaliate against the United States. Leveraging this strategic position, they have the capability to execute missile and drone strikes on all U.S. bases in the region. Moreover, they could target oil transport routes in the Red Sea and the oil extraction facilities operated by the United States in the region. A key objective for Ansarullah is impeding the movement of Zionist ships in the Red Sea, inflicting significant economic damage on the regime. Additionally, targeting U.S. warships, including the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, remains a viable option, as previously demonstrated.
Alwaght: To what extent will tensions in the Red Sea escalate, and how will this confrontation impact regional stability? Is there a possibility that Ansarullah's confrontation with the U.S. coalition could lead to a regional war? Will Iran and resistance groups support Ansarullah?
At present, the Yemeni front, similar to other resistance fronts against the Zionist regime and the United States, will operate within its own capabilities. Much like Hezbollah's response to Israeli attacks on Lebanese soil, Yemen has the capacity to confront occupiers independently, without relying on additional support from the Axis of Resistance. Having resisted the invading coalition, armed with advanced weapons, for nine years on their own, Yemen will persist in its struggles autonomously. Consequently, there are currently no signs indicating an expansion of the war from the Yemeni side.
Alwaght: Does the resolution from the United Nations Security Council condemning Ansarullah's attacks authorize the United States to initiate an attack on Yemen?
The approval of the resolution by the United States and the United Kingdom is aimed at facilitating their attacks on Yemen and portraying them as legitimate. Given Yemen's clearly stated objectives, which involve targeting Zionist ships in the Red Sea to support the people of Gaza, and their repeated statements that they would cease their attacks if food and medicine were sent to Gaza, any military intervention by the United States is viewed as illegitimate by global public opinion. This is because the attacks are directed at those who back the oppressed people of Gaza. No country has previously initiated conflict for delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, making this an honorable and unprecedented objective. Therefore, taking into account Ansarullah's intentions and goals, no resolution can censure their operations against Zionist ships, thus justifying the U.S. and UK attacks on Yemen.
Alwaght: Russia and China's muted response to the tensions in the Red Sea seems influenced by their rivalry with the United States. Do you believe these nations view U.S. involvement in the regional security crisis as advantageous in terms of competition? What are your thoughts on this issue?
Russia and China's support for U.S. involvement in West Asian conflicts is a partial aspect of their broader strategic goals. Russia, grappling with economic challenges from Western sanctions, and China, seeking collaboration with regional nations, avoid tensions in the Red Sea to maintain cordial relations with Arab countries. Additionally, both countries are integral to international trade and are wary of disturbances that might disrupt global commerce. Moscow and Beijing are cautious not to be perceived as taking antagonistic actions against Gaza and Palestine, as this could impact their voting stance in the Security Council.
Alwaght: Since the beginning of the Gaza conflict, Joe Biden consistently expressed his lack of intention to escalate tensions with Iran and the Resistance Axis. Some experts suggested that Netanyahu aimed to involve the U.S. directly in conflicts. Do you believe Netanyahu's strategy has now taken precedence over Biden's?
Netanyahu had no involvement in this attack. The United States and the United Kingdom initiated these operations against Yemen due to their regional and global influence, perceiving international waterways to be at risk. Another motivation is financial gain, as Western powers aim to receive payments for their missiles by claiming to defend Saudi Arabia's interests through actions against Sanaa. Australia and Canada's support for the Yemen attack came at the United Kingdom's invitation, with the aim of securing a portion of the financial benefits provided to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia also seeks to eliminate Ansarullah's missile and drone capabilities amid Red Sea tensions to protect against these threats. While Joe Biden pursues financial resources for his presidential campaign, they have not considered public opinion within these countries and the potential repercussions of this military action on their national interests.
