Joe Biden says US and British strikes targeting Houthi rebel positions in Yemen a “success”

US and British military forces targeted Houthi rebel positions in Yemen on Thursday evening, January 11, in response to increased attacks on ships in the Red Sea in recent weeks.

These strikes were conducted “With success (…) Houthi rebels threaten freedom of navigation against multiple targets in Yemen”In a press release, US President Joe Biden explained that he was carried out by them. “support” From Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands.

They are “Direct response to Houthi's unprecedented attacks”, He assured, incited the whole “Twenty Seven Attacks” touched “More than fifty countries”and containing Over 2,000 boats were forced out Change the route to avoid the area.

Since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas on October 7, 2023, the Houthis, who are close to Iran and control much of Yemen, have stepped up attacks with missiles and drones in the strategic vicinity of the Red Sea. The Strait of Bab el-Mandeb separates the Arabian Peninsula from Africa. They claim to be acting in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza, targeting commercial vessels suspected of being linked to Israel.

Along with other countries, the United States launched a last week, Joe Biden said “vague warning” For the rebels, he recalled that on Wednesday, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution asking them to stop their attacks. He added “I won't hesitate” has “Order further action” To protect America and international trade.

“Restoring Stability in the Red Sea”

“American occupation, with British participation” It hit Yemen's capital Sanaa and the rebel-held cities of Hodeidah and Saada, for its part, the Houthi television channel al-Masira reported.

“Despite repeated warnings from the international community, the Houthis continue to carry out attacks in the Red Sea, again this week against British and US warships.For his part, in a press release, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced. This cannot last (…) We therefore took limited, necessary and proportionate measures for self-defense. »

According to the British Defense MinisterGrand Shops, four Typhoon fighters, operated alongside US forces, “Precision Attacks” against two Houthi bases. “The threat to innocent lives and global trade has become so great that this action was more than necessary. It is our duty to protect ships and protect freedom of navigation.”he added.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the attacks targeted radar and drone and missile infrastructure. “This operation is aimed at disrupting and degrading the Houthis' ability to endanger seafarers and threaten international trade along one of the world's most important sea lanes.”The Pentagon chief explained in a press release.

“Our mission is to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea.”A joint statement was later confirmed by the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea and the United Kingdom.

An “occupation”, condemn the Houthis

“Our country faces a massive attack by American and British ships, submarines and aircraft”The Houthis' deputy foreign minister, Hussein al-Ezzi, announced as quoted by rebel media. “America and Great Britain must be prepared to pay a heavy price and bear the heavy consequences of this aggression.”He threatened that.

Tensions have been rising for weeks in the Red Sea, where 12% of world trade passes. In response to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, the United States quickly deployed warships there and formed an international coalition in December 2023 to protect maritime traffic. Some ship owners are now ignoring the region, which has increased transport costs between Europe and Asia.

Yemen's rebel leader, Abdel Malek al-Houthi, threatened to retaliate against a US strike in the Red Sea on Thursday. “very important” Above them, especially heavy, is the first date of Mars. On that day, British and American forces shot down eighteen drones and three missiles in the Red Sea, known as London.“Critical Attack” Yemeni rebels to this day.

“Enough is enough. We must be clear with the Houthis that this must stop, and my simple message to them today is: prepare.Already threatened Grand Shops on Wednesday. “There is no doubt that Iran is behind what is happening in the Red Sea”he added.

Saudi Arabia's “concern”

Saudi Arabia followed suit “Military operations in the Red Sea and airstrikes at several sites with great concern” In Yemen, the Saudi Foreign Ministry made the call in a statement on Friday “Exercise control and avoid escalation”.

The Red Sea is not the only hot spot in the region for the United States, which has staunchly supported Israel since the bloody Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. 130 times according to the Pentagon.

The U.S. has about 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria, stationed with the aim of preventing the resurgence of the Islamic State group. Last week, the head of a pro-Iran faction was killed by a US strike in Baghdad, prompting outrage from the Iraqi government, which is backed by parties close to Iran. Iraq's prime minister later said “farm” A commitment to end the presence of the international counter-jihadist coalition in Iraq.