Significant development: The U.S. has conducted new airstrikes on Houthi-affiliated targets in Yemen, focusing on a radar station, as stated by U.S. officials. Multiple strikes have been confirmed in the capital, Sana, by Yemen’s official media. This comes just a day after coordinated actions by U.S. and British forces targeted numerous sites across Yemen.
U.S. Launches Fresh Strikes in Yemen, Clarifies Unrelated to Coalition Operations
According to the U.S. Central Command, the recent strike was carried out by the USS Carney using Tomahawk land attack missiles. The U.S. clarifies that these Yemen strikes are unrelated to Operation Prosperity Guardian, a defensive coalition of over 20 countries countering Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, Bab el Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden.
Houthi Warning: US Strikes Prompt Missile Retaliation in Yemen
Houthi officials have issued a provocative statement, signaling preparedness for a potential escalation with Washington. In response to recent U.S. strikes in Yemen, the rebel group retaliated by launching an anti-ship ballistic missile, which, fortunately, did not result in any vessel hits. In light of this, the U.S. Navy has issued a cautionary advisory to American-flagged ships, urging them to steer clear of areas around Yemen in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden for the next 72 hours. These airstrikes are a retaliatory measure against Iran-backed fighters who have targeted Red Sea shipping, citing their actions as responses to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Biden Warns Iran, Denies Civilian Casualties in Strikes on Houthis
The Houthi report at least five deaths and six injuries in the initial round of U.S. and UK-backed strikes, targeting 30 sites with over 150 munitions. President Joe Biden disputes civilian casualties, labeling the Iran-backed group as terrorists. He warns of further retaliation if the Houthis persist in their outrageous behavior. Biden conveys a stern message to Iran, emphasizing the avoidance of provocative actions. Despite the tensions, he asserts a desire to avoid war with Iran, considering the substantial risks, especially ahead of the upcoming presidential elections.
Iran Strongly Condemns Yemen Strikes, UN and Russia Join Criticism
Iran vehemently condemns the attack, cautioning that it will escalate insecurity and instability in the region. The Iranian foreign ministry decries the strikes as a blatant violation of Yemen’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing the breach of international laws. The United Nations Security Council, in a Friday discussion on the Gaza conflict and Yemen strikes, echoes its disapproval of attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea.
The UN Secretary-General emphasizes the unacceptability of such actions. Concurrently, Russia strongly criticizes the strikes, labeling them as an irresponsible venture posing risks across the entire West Asia.
Yemen Strikes Spark Protests, Draw Concerns from China
China has expressed apprehensions about potential regional repercussions from the strikes in Yemen, while the attacks themselves have sparked massive protests. Thousands gathered in the Houthi-controlled Yemeni capital, displaying Palestinian flags, Houthi’s official slogans on placards, and images of their supreme leader.
Protests in Yemen and Tehran
In the Yemeni city of Udeda, scenes depict thousands of people, some armed with rifles, gathering for a demonstration. Meanwhile, in Tehran, a separate gathering took place where numerous students and residents, expressing their sentiments, burned flags outside the British embassy.
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