US President Joe Biden has announced that US and British forces have struck some Houthi targets in Yemen in retaliation for their attacks in the Red Sea.
US and British forces have carried out sea and air strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in response to two months of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Australia, Canada, Bahrain and the Netherlands also provided ‘non-operational support’ for the strikes.
According to recent reports, it has been stated that Australia, the Netherlands and Bahrain have participated in Operation Welfare Guardian, which was formed by the US against the Houthis. However, it has been confirmed that these countries have only sent a limited number of military personnel, up to a maximum of 10, to the Red Sea, rather than ships.
Based on the information provided, it appears that the countries involved in Operation Welfare Guard, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, and Norway, did not offer any non-operational assistance in the attack on the Houthis. It seems that the US primarily organized the attack, with some limited involvement from the UK.
Britain has 2 warships in the region. Today, at the direction of the US President, US military forces, along with the United Kingdom, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, launched airstrikes on a number of targets used by Houthi rebels in Yemen. According to Biden, the strikes were carried out in response to a series of attacks by the Houthis, including one on January 9 that targeted American ships. The strikes were aimed at deterring further attacks and protecting the safety of coalition forces in the region.
In reference to the US-led naval force established in the region against the Houthis and the approach of international public opinion, Biden made note of the United Nations Security Council resolution passed the previous day, which called on the Houthis to end their attacks.
“These attacks in Yemen are a message that the United States and its allies are committed to ensuring freedom of navigation on one of the world’s most critical commercial routes and the safety of our personnel,” Biden said. He emphasized the need for continued vigilance and cooperation to address any threats to these shared goals. The President also noted that he remains open to exploring additional measures as needed to protect these vital interests.
According to several US officials, at least 12 Houthi targets were struck by US and UK military forces using fighter jets and Tomahawk missiles.
The strikes were aimed at Houthi drones, ballistic and cruise missiles, radar, and surveillance capabilities. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized that the stability of ship traffic in the Red Sea is a priority and that the United States reserves the right to strike the Houthis in Yemen when necessary.
According to the Houthi-affiliated SABA news agency, the cities of Sana’a, Hodeidah, Sada, and Zamar were reportedly subjected to what they referred to as ‘US aggression’.
Houthis: We targeted US-British warships
The Houthis have announced that they targeted US-British warships in the Red Sea in response to what they perceive as US and UK attacks on Yemen.
Ali al-Kahhum, a member of the Houthis’ political bureau, stated on X that Yemen’s response was not delayed and that the Yemeni armed forces are responding strongly to the US-British warships in the Red Sea, as well as their military sites and bases.
Houthi Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein al-Izzi stated that their country had been subjected to a major attack by US and British ships, submarines, and warplanes. It is believed that the US and Britain will have to prepare to pay a heavy price for all the grave consequences of this blatant aggression.
US denies allegations
During a telephone briefing on the attack, a senior US defense official denied the allegation that Yemen had targeted any US or UK warplanes or warships. The official stated that there has been no response from the Houthis at this time.
Saudis urge for restraint
Saudi Arabia has expressed its concern over the military operations in the Red Sea and airstrikes on points in Yemen.
The country’s Foreign Ministry stated that they are closely monitoring the situation and calls for restraint. The statement was carried by the official news agency SPA. The statement highlighted the significance of maintaining security and stability in the Red Sea region, where freedom of navigation is a global requirement, and urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid escalation in light of recent events.
The suspension of services by several shipping companies in the Red Sea followed the Houthi attacks on merchant ships in response to Israel’s attacks on Gaza. Although the Houthi attacks posed a threat to the passage through the Suez Canal, which is the shortest route between Europe and Asia and carries out about 12 percent of global trade, the attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and the subsequent decisions made by companies have raised concerns about the possibility of a new ‘supply chain crisis’ in the global economy. However, we are confident that with the cooperation of all stakeholders, we can mitigate the potential impact of these events.
