In response to a recent campaign of drone and missile attacks on commercial ships in the vital Red Sea, the United States and British militaries struck at more than 60 targets in 16 different locations across Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, said The Associated Press.
Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea, claiming they were avenging Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip. But they have frequently targeted vessels with no clear links to Israel, jeopardizing shipping in a key route for global trade and energy shipments.
As airstrikes illuminated the sky over various sites held by the Iranian-backed rebels, it redirected global attention to Yemen's prolonged conflict initiated by the Houthi seizure of the country's capital.
The Houthis' military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said in a recorded address that the strikes would "not go unanswered or unpunished," according to an article published by the AP.
"These strikes are in direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea - including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time in history," Biden said in a statement obtained by TIME. He noted the attacks endangered U.S. personnel and civilian mariners and jeopardized trade, and he added, "I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary."
What Does President Biden Have To Say?
Biden said the strikes were meant to demonstrate that the U.S. and its allies "will not tolerate" the militant group's ceaseless attacks on the Red Sea. And mentioned they only made the move after attempts at diplomatic negotiations and careful deliberation.
According to reports from Independent, Houthi rebels have verified that the airstrikes resulted in the death of at least five individuals and left six others wounded. The call for retribution adds to growing apprehensions about a potential escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and U.S. President Joe Biden have both condemned the Houthis' "reckless actions" in targeting dozens of international cargo ships since the start of Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza, reported Independent.
The Pentagon has increased its military presence in the region after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in Israel to discourage Iran from expanding the war into a regional conflict.
