The United States and United Kingdom initiated military strikes in Yemen against the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in response to the group’s attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
US President, Joe Biden emphasized that these targeted strikes convey a clear message that the US and its partners will not tolerate attacks on personnel or threats to freedom of navigation.
“These targeted strikes are a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation,” Biden said.
The Houthis, condemning the attacks as “barbaric,” said on Friday that there was no justification for them and the group vowed to continue targeting ships heading towards Israel.
The group said at least five sites, including airfields, had been attacked, according to Al Masirah, a Houthi-run satellite news channel.
There is no immediate information on casualties or the extent of the damage.
The international community, including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, supported the operation, framing it as an effort to restore the free flow of trade in a vital route accounting for about 15 percent of the world’s shipping traffic.
Iran, supporting the Houthis, condemned the attacks, while Russia requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting to discuss the military strikes. Saudi Arabia called for restraint and avoiding escalation.
Earlier warnings to the Houthis about “consequences” for their “illegal attacks” on shipping were reiterated in a joint statement by the US, Britain, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, and South Korea.
The aim remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea while emphasizing a commitment to defending lives and protecting the free flow of commerce.
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KanyiDaily had also reported how at least 78 people were killed in a stampede at a Radaman charity event in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa.