By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close

US and UK escalating the regional conflict further

US and UK carry out airstrikes against Houthis in Yemen, official says

The United States and United Kingdom launched strikes against multiple Houthi targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, officials from each country told CNN. The strikes were from fighter jets and Tomahawk missiles. 

For weeks, the US had sought to avoid direct strikes on Yemen because of the risk of escalation in a region already simmering with tension, and the concern of potentially upsetting a delicate ceasefire between the militant group and Saudi Arabia that was achieved after years of war.

But the White House had made clear the repeated Houthi attacks on international shipping lanes in the southern Red Sea were intolerable. 

Though the US has carried out strikes against Iranian proxies in Iraq and Syria since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, this marks the first known strike against the Houthis in Yemen.


Earlier today

Houthis warn that any US aggression "will not go unanswered" 

Houthi leader Abdul Malik Al-Houthi said that any United States aggression against Yemen “will not go unanswered,” amid fears that the rebel group's attacks could escalate Israel’s war against Hamas into a wider regional conflict. "The answer will not only be attacking the Americans in the sea with more than 24 drones and missiles — the response will be much more," al-Houthi said.

Al-Houthi said in a speech on Thursday that the response from the group will be “much greater” than this week’s barrage of drones and missiles on the Red Sea. The leader said that Yemen is ready “to confront American aggression” and criticized US and United Kingdom support for Israel, stating it “will not deter” Yemen's actions. 

Al-Houthi said the strategy in preventing Israeli-linked ships from traversing the Red Sea has been effective, citing the recent American attack on the Houthis’ navy as evidence of this impact. 

Furthermore, al-Houthi accused the US and the UK of trying to involve other countries in the confrontation against Yemen, warning that those who target Yemen and its naval forces risk their maritime safety and commercial shipping interests. 

"Those who want to get involved and attack our people and target the naval forces are risking their maritime safety and their commercial ships," al-Houthi said. 


The US didn't wait long to call their bluff.


Houthi officials say the strikes hit several airports and a base near the Yemeni capital

Houthi officials said the airstrikes launched by the United States and British militaries Thursday night hit several locations in Yemen, including airports.

These are the locations hit by the strikes, according to the Iran-backed group:

  • Al-Dailami Air Base, north of the Yemeni capital of Sanaa
  • Areas surrounding Hodeidah International Airport in western Yemen
  • Kahlan camp in Saada, a northern Yemeni province where the Houthis are based
  • Taiz International Airport and other parts of the Taiz Governorate in southwestern Yemen
  • An airport serving the town of Abs in northwestern Yemen

 

Last edited by SvennoJ - on 11 January 2024