Barran Press
Senior U.S. military officials are deliberating a response to an Iran-backed Houthi attempt to shoot down a U.S. F-16 fighters last Wednesday, according to Fox News. Three senior defense officials confirmed ongoing policy talks. The options range from sustained strikes on Houthi leaders and planners to a defensive strategy targeting infrastructure and weapons depots.
Military leaders caution that a Houthi missile striking a U.S. Navy ship—potentially causing casualties and damage—is increasingly likely. The discussions follow the Houthis’ first use of surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) against a U.S. F-16 over the Red Sea, an attack that missed its mark. This incident marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the Houthis and U.S. forces. Under the Biden administration, U.S. warships have been patrolling the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, safeguarding commercial vessels from Houthi assaults.