US warships 'stuck' in battle with Houthis in the Red Sea

The US Navy warships deployed in the Middle East are in a tense situation as they work around the clock to respond to unprecedented Houthi attacks.

Here's What We Know

For five months now, the US-led coalition has been trying to fight terrorists who have been hijacking ships from different countries. Houthi attacks with missiles, ships, and drones have turned shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden into a "dangerous and deadly corridor".

Last week, the Houthis launched attacks on ships, and US officials say these attacks are unlikely to stop anytime soon, which is worrying because the US is likely to be stuck in a costly standoff.

The Houthis have succeeded in dragging Washington into a long, costly conflict that is draining resources. Although no US warships have been hit, the US is facing rising financial costs and warships are wearing out.

Through their campaign, the insurgents have not only proved their role as a significant asset in Iran's proxy network, but have also demonstrated that they are more than capable of threatening commercial shipping again in the future.

Since autumn, the US Navy has spent a significant amount of resources fighting the Houthis. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group has launched more than 500 munitions and its aircraft have flown tens of thousands of hours.

Source: Business Insider