A former Saudi intelligence chief has expressed frustration with the international community’s response to the Houthi terrorist group’s attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Turki al-Faisal, a prominent Saudi diplomat, spoke out at a recent event in London, criticizing the limited actions taken by the US and other Western nations to address the growing threat.
The Houthi movement, backed by Iran, has significantly escalated its activities in the region since the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel. The group has declared war on Israel and has been targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea, including those affiliated with China and Iran. The attacks have resulted in dozens of incidents, including two ship sinkings, and have caused shipping and insurance rates to skyrocket.
The international community’s response to the crisis has been inadequate, according to al-Faisal. The US-led “Operation Prosperity Guardian” has been launched to protect civilian ships in the Red Sea, but its impact has been limited. Al-Faisal described the operation as insufficient, stating that more needs to be done to interdict the supply of weaponry from Iran to the Houthis.
Al-Faisal also criticized the Biden administration’s approach to the crisis, dismissing the limited airstrikes against Houthi targets as “pinprick bombings” that have had little effect on the situation. He emphasized the need for greater pressure on Iran to stop supporting the Houthis and to take action to secure stability in the region.
The Saudi diplomat’s comments come as tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran remain high. The two countries have been engaged in a proxy war in Yemen, with the Houthis receiving significant support from Tehran. The situation has been further complicated by the Chinese government’s efforts to expand its influence in the region, including brokering a deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran to restore diplomatic relations.
In a recent press conference, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed relations with Saudi Arabia, stating that the two countries are “brothers” and that there is no place for hostility. However, his comments were met with skepticism, particularly given the ongoing support provided by Iran to the Houthi movement.
The situation in the Red Sea remains volatile, with the Houthis continuing to target commercial shipping and the international community struggling to respond effectively. Al-Faisal’s comments highlight the need for a more robust and coordinated approach to address the crisis and to prevent further escalation.
