The US is now finding out what it means to be part of a threatened minority. The Houthis in Yemen claim they will attack American forces if the US responds to their illegal interference with shipping by attacks on Yemen. The Houthis say their actions will result in a greater defeat for the US than those suffered in Afghanistan and Vietnam. So far, this is just a war of words. US actions have remained limited to shooting down drones and missiles aimed at ships. Interestingly, the Houthis have not openly threatened any other countries that a partnering with the US in Operation Prosperity Guardian. Also worth noting, the major shipping lines that sent their ships around South Africa have not changed their orders. Worldwide, there is a surplus of container ships carrying capacity. That means the big lines won’t have much trouble meeting their scheduled pick-ups and will be able to charge a lot more for their services.
In a related activity, the UN is still trying to get the US to avoid vetoing yet another resolution calling for a Gaza cease-fire. The new resolution still doesn’t condemn Hamas or mention the Oct 7th massacre.
Israeli forces in Gaza continue with their slow but steady erosion of Hamas installations. The pace chosen is designed to limit Israeli casualties. It seems to be effective. A rough estimate of daily casualties on both sides shows Israel suffering 3 to 5 soldiers killed while Hamas losses are believed to number in the hundreds.
The IDF has not freed any more kidnap victims, but has uncovered documentation showing that many were taken into the tunnel complex. Large amounts of weapons and ammunition have also been captured, along with other documents of significant intelligence value.
Wetherhorn 