US, UK Naval Presence Reduced Despite Red Sea Attacks

Abdul Malik al-Houthi, leader of Yemen's Houthi rebels, revealed on Thursday that despite ongoing attacks on Israeli-linked ships by his group, the United States and the United Kingdom have diminished their naval presence in the Red Sea.

Al-Houthi clarified that while US claims of decreased operations may suggest success, it's actually the movement of their warships that has reduced, by as much as 80%. Speaking on the 200th day of hostilities in Gaza, he emphasized that their own operations remain unabated.

Since the conflict's onset, the Houthis have targeted 102 Israeli-affiliated ships, averaging one attack every two days. Despite intensive monitoring, they assert that American and British efforts to ensure Israel-bound ships' movement have failed.

Al-Houthi declared continued operations in the southern Red Sea as long as the Gaza blockade persists. 

Additionally, he hinted at expanding activities in the Indian Ocean beyond conventional imagination.

These remarks follow recent attacks by the Houthis on a US ship, a destroyer in the Gulf of Aden, and an Israeli vessel, MSC Veracruz, in the Indian Ocean. The attacks, occurring after a week-long standoff, highlight escalating tensions in the region.

Houthi assaults, in retaliation to Israeli actions in Gaza, prompted the US to form a multinational coalition for maritime protection and to conduct ground strikes against Houthi targets.