Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska has expressed his support for recent military strikes by U.S. and British forces, along with other allies, targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen. These actions come after months of missile and drone attacks by the Houthis on military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, which have significantly disrupted trade.

Senator Sullivan stated, "For months, I have been calling on the Biden administration to reestablish deterrence with Iran, the Houthis and other Iran-backed terrorist proxy groups, like Hamas. The Houthis have been responsible for dozens of attacks in the Red Sea since October against U.S. forces, our allies, and commercial ships."

He described the coalition strike as "long overdue" but emphasized that it alone would not suffice to restore deterrence. According to Sullivan, a more comprehensive strategy towards Iran is necessary. He has advocated for over a year for the Biden administration to redesignate the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

Sullivan criticized what he perceives as insufficient action from the Biden administration following direct attacks by the Houthis on Americans. He remarked on Iran's influence in the region and called for stronger measures to counteract it: "We should be aware that Iran’s malign influence in the region, including as the main funder and trainer of Hamas, will not stop until the Biden administration reestablishes deterrence and, at long last, stops appeasing the terrorist Mullahs in Iran."