Executive Summary
The Houthi threat to freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden challenges a core and enduring U.S. interest in the Middle East. U.S. airstrikes seeking to degrade the military capabilities of the Houthis are necessary but insufficient. We recommend a broader approach using an interdiction regime at sea that aims to: 1) counter the ability of the Houthis to be resupplied/rearmed by Iran, or other organizations, with weapons and weapons components that can be used to attack international vessels; and 2) deny the Houthis the use of Iranian training, intelligence, targeting information, or other means that can be used to endanger international maritime trade.
Photo by Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Keith Nowak (U.S. Department of Defense)
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