In a recent development, British and US forces have conducted military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. This action comes in response to the Iranian-backed group’s continued aggression towards ships in the Red Sea. The Yemeni press agency, SABA, reported that these attacks were carried out in various regions including the capital, Sana’a, and the governorates of Sa’dah, Hodeidah, Taiz, and Dhamar.
The strikes were executed using a combination of warship-launched Tomahawk missiles, fighter jets, and a submarine. US President Joe Biden, in a statement, emphasized that these strikes serve as a definitive message against threats to personnel and the freedom of navigation in critical commercial routes. He also mentioned that this military action is backed by Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands.
Echoing similar sentiments, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that the Houthi attacks could not go unchallenged, underscoring the UK’s commitment to freedom of navigation and trade flow. This stance was taken as part of a self-defense strategy.
In a contrasting response, Nasr Aldeen Amer, vice president of the Houthi media authority in Sana’a, condemned the strikes as aggressive actions against Yemen by America. He vowed a steadfast position in supporting the Palestinian people, regardless of the consequences. Additionally, Houthi official Abdulsalam Jahaf declared on social media that the strikes, which he attributed to America, Britain, and Israel, would be met with discipline.
A joint statement by 10 governments, including Denmark, Germany, New Zealand, and South Korea, alongside the six nations involved in the joint strikes, was issued through the White House. The statement highlighted the collective commitment to protecting maritime navigation and international commerce, responding to over two dozen Houthi attacks on commercial vessels since mid-November.
The UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps previously accused Iran of interference, urging a halt to the escalating crisis that could potentially lead to broader conflict in the Middle East. The strikes followed the largest Houthi drone and missile attack yet, which was repelled by British and American naval forces and aircraft.
The UK, US, and other nations had previously warned the Houthi group to cease targeting commercial shipping, indicating that failure to comply would lead to consequences.
