A drone attack on an oil tanker in the Red Sea has raised serious concerns about President Joe Biden’s ongoing strategy in Yemen. The drone, which struck the tanker approximately 100 nautical miles northwest of Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah, caused significant damage and heightened fears of a potential oil spill.

The attack was carried out by Iran-backed Houthis, who have been targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since last November. This incident is part of their continued campaign to disrupt global shipping, which they claim is in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

President Biden’s Operation Prosperity Guardian, aimed at curbing Houthi activities in the region, has faced criticism for its ineffectiveness. Despite U.S. military efforts, Biden admitted in January that these strikes were not stopping Houthi attacks on shipping routes but would nonetheless continue. “When you say working, are they stopping the Houthis, no. Are they going to continue, yes,” Biden said.

The footage of the drone attack was released by the Houthis, further embarrassing the U.S. administration. This follows an incident in May where the Houthis captured a $30 million U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone, showcasing their growing capabilities.

The recent attack not only underscores the limitations of Biden’s strategy but also raises environmental concerns due to the risk of an oil spill. Critics argue that Biden’s approach has failed to deter the Houthis and has instead led to an escalation in their attacks, now reaching as far as the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean.

The situation in Yemen remains volatile, and the effectiveness of Operation Prosperity Guardian is increasingly being questioned. The ongoing conflict poses a significant threat to global shipping and regional stability, demanding a reassessment of current U.S. policies.