Since November, the Houthis, a Yemeni terrorist group, have instigated 190 attacks targeting the United States Navy, cargo ships and launching missiles at American troops. Despite the United States spending almost $1 billion to defeat the Houthis, these tribal rebels are stronger and more capable than ever.
Under Joe Biden, America has limited the number and intensity of airstrikes against the Houthis to avoid a more significant confrontation with Iran. This overly cautious approach has put our troops in danger and emboldened Iran and our other adversaries like China, Russia, and North Korea. Joe Biden’s message is clear – attack the United States and get a slap on the wrist.
The Houthis just recently launched a missile attack against the USS Eisenhower, an aircraft carrier charged with transporting over 7,000 U.S. troops around the world. Joe Biden didn’t respond, much less show leadership and force against those who want to cause us harm. This approach has left the Houthis’ aggression largely unanswered, leading to instability in the region and sending a message to American sailors that Biden doesn’t have their backs.
The Biden administration’s reluctance to act stems from an apparent strategy of governing by polling numbers rather than leading with strength and conviction. This is a dangerous and misguided policy. Weakness in the face of aggression invites further attacks and instability. For over two decades, I worked tirelessly to counter threats like the Houthis in Yemen and the Red Sea. As a Navy SEAL, my teammates and I played a crucial role in countering the Houthi threat by conducting covert operations to gather intelligence on their movements and supply lines. Our team executed pirate ship take-downs and conducted precision strikes against crucial Houthi positions, disrupting their operations and weakening their stronghold. We also worked closely with allies in the region, training them in advanced tactics to bolster their capabilities against the insurgents. These efforts safeguarded vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea, ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels amidst the ongoing conflict. Things are much different now. Under Joe Biden, the Houthis have grown more robust with more resources than ever, and they have been allowed to shoot missiles at both U.S. and allied ships and aircraft at will, killing allied forces in the same waters that we once had achieved tranquility.
The Houthis are shaping up to be a modern-day Al Qaeda. Their tactics and ambitions echo those of terrorist groups that we have fought against for decades. The Houthis have demonstrated deadly success in launching missiles at ships in the Arabian Peninsula, disrupting maritime activities and posing significant threats to regional security. Their missile attacks are meticulously planned, showcasing their advanced capabilities and determination. However, their true aim extends beyond the region, as they seek to cause death and destruction in the United States. The longer Joe Biden waits to confront them, the greater chance that there is an attack on our homeland.
During my time in the military, I saw how decisive action and strength can bring about stability and peace, even in the face of monsters who use fear to breed political power. I participated in operations where we defeated formidable enemies and made our world safer. We cannot afford to let that strength waver now. The Iranian-backed Houthis are testing our limits every day, and every day, we fail to respond appropriately. Instead of diminishing their power and influence, Joe Biden has given the Houthis an avenue to expand it. Their recent missile attack shows how brazen they’ve become, and our enemies are watching and taking notes on our lack of a response.
When our adversaries look at Joe Biden, they see weakness. Iran, Russia, China — all of them and their comrades respond to only one thing: strength. Peace through strength is what brought stability to the region, which was only achieved under President Trump. This is evident from his 2018 message when President Trump told Iran: “Never, ever threaten the United States again or you will suffer the consequences the likes of which few throughout history have ever suffered before. We are no longer a country that will stand for your demented words of violence and death.”
Now, Biden has a different message: You can strike the United States, kill our servicemen, and not worry about the consequences.
Strong leadership is not about waiting for the perfect moment or ensuring every decision is popular – it’s about making tough choices and standing firm in the face of adversity. The Biden administration needs to step up and show the world that the United States will not kowtow to tribal rebels or their state sponsors. Our allies must see that we will stand by them, and our enemies must fear us.
The Houthis are a clear and present danger to our national security and world stability. Our response must be swift and unequivocal; we owe it to our troops, allies, and the American people to take decisive action.
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