US-Led Coalition Commander Discusses Ongoing Challenges In Red Sea Operations

The commander stated that the fight against Houthi (Ansar Allah movement) drones is akin to battling an invisible enemy, and highlighted the intricate nature of the conflict involving advanced drone technology belonging to the Yemeni Armed Forces.

Reflecting on the historical context, the commander remarked that no party has dared to challenge us (the US military) at sea since World War II. This assertion underscores the challenges that the coalition forces are facing when they navigate the current maritime security landscape.

The commander also elaborated on the operational environment in international waters near Yemen, saying that the US-led coalition units have been working in a combat space filled with challenges and dynamics that the Navy has not witnessed in decades.

He pointed out that the preparation for their mission was the longest and most active operation, emphasizing the unique circumstances faced in the Red Sea, where forces had never encountered enemy fire to this extent.

Despite the ongoing deployment of US-UK coalition forces and the European Union naval fleet in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the commander acknowledged that Western military operations in Yemeni waters have not achieved their primary objective of supporting Israeli shipping.

He indicated that the implementation of broader goals, rather than just intercepting missiles and drones, is crucial in this conflict.

Recent battles have seen Yemen’s weapons systems achieving significant successes in strikes, confirming their operational effectiveness.

The Yemeni Armed Forces have carried out numerous attacks on vessels affiliated with Israel or owned by the US and the UK in response to the Israeli genocidal war and siege on Gaza since November 2023. These attacks have taken place in various strategic waterways including the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea.