The intensifying conflict in the Middle East impacts global shipping security.

The US Military Intensifies Airstrikes on Houthi Forces, Red Sea Tensions Continue

On March 16, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the United States will continue to target Yemeni Houthi forces until they cease attacks on international shipping. He emphasized that ensuring the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea is a core interest of the United States and accused Iran of supporting the Houthi forces in destabilizing the region.

US officials disclosed that this round of military action could last for weeks, aiming to weaken the Houthi forces' attack capabilities. The Pentagon stated that in a recent operation, the US military destroyed multiple Houthi drones and successfully intercepted a missile falling off the Yemeni coast.

Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi stated in a televised speech that as long as US military actions continue, the Houthi forces will continue to attack US ships. The organization claimed to have launched ballistic missile and drone attacks on the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier and its escort fleet, but provided no evidence. The US military denied any damage to the carrier and said all incoming targets were successfully intercepted.

The international community has expressed concern over the escalation of the conflict. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged restraint from all parties, warning that further military escalation could intensify the cycle of retaliation and worsen the local humanitarian crisis. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also called on the US to immediately stop military actions to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. The Houthi-controlled health ministry claimed that US airstrikes have killed at least 53 people, including women and children, but the US has not yet responded.

This conflict threatens not only the security of the Red Sea region but could also impact global financial markets. As geopolitical risks rise, market risk aversion may increase, possibly driving up gold prices. The Red Sea, as a vital global energy transport route, could face the risk of oil supply disruptions due to tensions, leading to increased oil price volatility.

As the US military continues its strikes on Houthi forces, the situation is likely to escalate further. The international community is closely monitoring developments and urging the parties involved to resolve disputes through political means to avoid losing control of the regional situation.

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