The Houthis have sunk another ship in the Red Sea, with one civilian believed to have been killed. This is the second ship sunk by the Houthis. They have attacked more than 60 ships and killed four sailors since the beginning of their campaign against Red Sea shipping lanes. This is unacceptable, and decisive action needs to be taken.

The United States has been combatting Houthi missile strikes since the beginning of their attacks. Starting in January, the U.S. Navy has taken direct action against Houthi military installations in Yemen. But these strikes have failed to deter the Houthis from continuing their campaign against international shipping.

The Houthis benefit from the status quo. By taking on the U.S. military and supporting Hamas’s war against Israel, they have gained sympathy across the Middle East. Consequently, it is harder for Arab opponents of the Houthis, such as Saudi Arabia, to act against them. Reports also suggest some Middle Eastern nations have asked the U.S. not to launch strikes against the Houthis from their soil. Overall, the Houthis have gained prestige across the Middle East through their continuation of this conflict.

The Houthis would not be able to sustain these operations on their own. The biggest ally of the Houthis, Iran, has supported their campaign with material and financial support. Moreover, Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, commander of the U.S. Navy carrier strike group in the Red Sea, reported, “We have pretty high confidence that not only is Iran providing financial support, but they’re providing intelligence support.”

This lengthy campaign is exhausting U.S. forces in the area. The USS Eisenhower has been in combat nearly every day for nine months now, with two extensions having been made to its deployment. Not only is this conflict tiring for personnel, but the costs of U.S. countermeasures to Houthi missiles and drones are quite expensive. The missiles used by the U.S. Navy in this operation often cost anywhere from $1 million to $4 million. Meanwhile, the drones they face cost under $100,000.

This continuing stalemate in the Red Sea reflects a deeper problem with the Biden administration’s approach to international affairs. The White House has demonstrated an inability to decisively take foreign policy action and effectively control the international situation. This passivity has been reflected in its response to Ukraine where, even before Republican legislative obstinacy, the White House was hesitant to commit the resources necessary for Ukraine to win. This is also seen in the administration’s hand-wringing over the war in Gaza, attempting an impossible compromise between appeasing pro-Palestinian Democratic voters and supporting a crucial ally against a terrorist group.

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This prioritization of political ease over decisive action has plagued U.S. foreign policy for decades. This mindset is what led the U.S. to sleepwalk through its wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, not to mention countless other failed interventions. Whatever is needed to change the situation in the Red Sea, whether it be more military resources in the region or an increased number of strikes, the White House’s approach to the conflict needs to change.

There is one basic rule when using military force. Fight to win or go home.