The House of Representatives has returned to Capitol Hill and has not wasted any time, including evaluating foreign threats.
During a House Foreign Affairs Committee meeting this week, lawmakers heard from experts to evaluate the growing threat of Houthi "terrorist" groups to U.S. interests and Red Sea security.
According to U.S. military officials, the Houthis have been collaborating with Al Shabaab, a Somali-based terrorist group. The United Nations said they have provided a terrorist group with training, including on drone adaptation, weapons maintenance and the manufacturing of IEDs.
“This threat is evolving, and it's serious, and we should see it as such,” said Nadwa Al-Dawsari, an associate fellow at the Middle East Institute.
Representative Ronny Jackson (R-TX) echoed a similar sentiment, stressing that the security of the Red Sea also remains critical.
“The Red Sea remains a vital artery for global commerce and a critical passage for energy and goods, and an important part of the international maritime system,” Rep. Jackson said. “When terrorists like the Iranian-backed Houthis threaten this important waterway, they threaten American economic and national security interests.”
The six-month war in Iran has continued with both powers exchanging defense strikes and the United States acting to maintain control of the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks. As the U.S. military continues to maintain pressure on Iran, Rep. Jackson said the threat posed by the Iranian-backed Houthis remains a pressing concern.
“President Trump has made it clear that attacks on American personnel, American ships and American economic interests will be met with major, significant military consequences,” Rep. Jackson said.
Rep. Jackson and Al-Dawsari said the Houthis are continuing to receive support from Iran, including weapon systems and missiles. Rep. Jackson argues that the U.S. should continue its military efforts against Iran to deprive the Houthis of these resources.
“If we continue our efforts against Iran, then it's going to be very difficult for the Houthis to maintain the resources that they need without Iranian support,” he said.
