A senior U.S. military official has criticized the United States’ approach to the Houthi movement, designated as a terrorist organization, for contributing to ongoing maritime attacks on commercial vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea. Retired General Kenneth McKenzie, former head of U.S. Central Command, stated that a "lack of political will" has allowed the Houthis to continue their assaults on international shipping.

In remarks made during a lecture at the U.S. Naval Institute and the Coast Guard Academy last week, McKenzie emphasized that the U.S. possesses the capability to compel the Houthis to cease their activities but requires a decisive political decision to take action.

Discussing Iran and its proxies, McKenzie asserted, "You have to demonstrate... the will," and stressed the necessity of being prepared to use American capabilities for deterrence. He expressed that the risk of escalation would be minimal if the U.S. were to respond effectively.

Addressing the issue of Houthi threats to commercial shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, McKenzie stated, "We cannot tolerate that." He reiterated the presence of U.S. destroyers in the region, engaging in defensive measures against Houthi-launched missiles and drones.

Since October 2023, the Houthis have ramped up their missile and drone attacks against commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, leading to increased maritime insurance costs. Many shipping companies have opted for significantly longer routes around the southern tip of Africa to avoid the conflict zone.

In response to the Houthi threat and to safeguard maritime navigation, the U.S. formed a multinational coalition in December 2023 and has conducted occasional strikes against Houthi military targets. However, the internationally recognized Yemeni government contends that Western strikes have been ineffective in neutralizing the Houthi threat and advocates for bolstering its armed forces to reclaim the port city of Hodeidah and other areas controlled by the group.