Centrum Stosunków Międzynarodowych - 13 October 2016: Mounting tension over Yemen following Sana’a air strike

A series of escalations have taken place in Yemen this week following Saturday’s strike by Saudi-led coalition on country’s capital of Sana’a which claimed over 140 dead and more than 500 wounded. After failed missile attacks on a US military vessel, the US launched strikes on three radar station controlled by the rebel Houthi movement. Iran in turn responded by deploying two destroyers to Yemen’s coast, while Houthis fired at Saudi air base. Meanwhile, US lawmakers mull halting of arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

In Saturday’s strike fighter jets of a Saudi-led coalition targeted Houthi military and political officials gathered at a funeral. However, the death toll, which also included numerous civilians and rescuers, caused outrage in Yemen and condemnation abroad. On Tuesday, Houthis launched a ballistic missile at a Saudi air base located over 100 km from the border, but it was intercepted.

On Monday two anti-ship missiles were launched from Yemen in the direction of a US destroyer, USS Mason, patrolling the Red Sea. Another missile was launched at USS Mason on Wednesday. Although both attacks were unsuccessful and Houthis denied any responsibility, the US launched strikes at three Houthi-controlled radar stations on Monday, claiming “limited self-defence”. Iran, which backs Houthis, responded to these developments by sending two warships, Alvand and Bushehr, to Yemen’s coast. It should be noted, that the Saudi-led coalition currently maintains a blockade of all Houthi-held ports.

On diplomatic front Saturday’s strike weakened Saudi hand, as they had to deal with accusations of indiscriminate bombing. In the face of an official condemnation by the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, and under pressure from the US State Department, Saudi crown prince Mohammad bin Salman promised “a renewable 72-hour cessations of hostilities as soon as possible”, while the king Salman announced the easing of the blockade of Yemen in order “to facilitate the evacuation of [the] wounded.” Nevertheless, a growing number of US lawmakers, led by Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) and Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Connn.), continue to voice their demands for a halt to arms sales to Saudi Arabia in order to avert a humanitarian catastrophe.