ALBAWABA - In a rapid response to Houthi assaults on commercial vessels amid Israeli-Gaza tensions, the United States and the United Kingdom have initiated airstrikes in Yemen.
President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have both issued statements, challenging the Houthi actions and calling for a halt to attacks on Red Sea ships. Yemen's Deputy Foreign Minister affiliated with the Houthis, Hussin Al-Ezzi, issued a stern warning, emphasizing that the UK and the U.S. would face consequences for their overt aggression.
The decision to launch airstrikes came after an emergency cabinet meeting convened by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during the evening hours.
U.S. and UK Joint Airstrikes Begin
In a joint effort, the U.S. and the UK have commenced airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, utilizing a combination of aircraft, naval vessels, and submarines, according to official statements from U.S. sources. Local reports from Yemen indicate that airstrikes were carried out by U.S. and UK warplanes on specific locations in Sana, Hodeidah, and Taiz during the night. The countries supporting these attacks include Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands.
Houthi Response: A Warning of Retribution
Reacting to the events, the Houthi leadership in Yemen issued a statement, asserting that no U.S. attack on their country would go unanswered. In the wake of strikes aimed at securing sea trade routes, the Houthis declared their intent to persist in targeting Israeli ships.
UN Security Council Urges Immediate Ceasefire
The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution yesterday urgently calling for an end to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The resolution received approval with 11 "yes" votes from the 15-member Security Council, with 4 members abstaining.
Escalating Tensions in the Red Sea
Recent Houthi actions targeting commercial ships in response to Israeli-Gaza conflicts prompted several shipping companies to suspend their voyages in the Red Sea. Discussions about establishing an international "Sea Task Force" against Houthi attacks were revealed by the Pentagon on December 6. Additionally, a multinational mission named "Operation Guardian of Welfare" was announced on December 18. Owing to heightened attacks, maritime trade in the Red Sea witnessed a 20% decrease in ship traffic in December.
