Houthi Rebels Threaten Retaliation After US Conducts Additional Airstrike in Yemen
Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have vowed to retaliate fiercely following an additional airstrike conducted by the United States in Yemen. Nasruldeen Amer, a spokesperson for the Houthis, stated that there will be a firm and effective response to the strike.
US Navy Destroyer Strikes Houthi-Controlled Radar Site
The United States Central Command confirmed that the Navy destroyer USS Carney fired Tomahawk land missiles at a radar site controlled by the Tehran proxies. The objective of the strike was to degrade the Houthis’ ability to attack maritime vessels, including commercial ships.
Response to Houthi Attacks on Commercial Shipping
The recent airstrike followed a larger air raid led by American and British forces. This raid targeted over 60 Houthi-controlled locations across 28 sites in Yemen. The action was taken in response to the militant group’s missile and drone strikes on commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea.
President Biden’s Statement on the Strikes
President Biden expressed concern over the attacks, stating that they endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, and international trade. He emphasized the importance of protecting freedom of navigation.
Houthi Response and Continued Attacks
Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree reported that the attack on Thursday resulted in the death of at least five people and injured six others. In response to the U.S. and U.K-led attack, Houthi forces launched an anti-ship ballistic missile.
Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam stated that the strikes, including one on a military base in Sanaa, would not deter the rebels from carrying out further assaults on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
Escalating Tensions in the Red Sea
The rising tensions in the Red Sea pose a threat of a wider conflict in the Middle East, particularly in light of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The Houthis claim that their attacks on shipping vessels are in support of Palestinians, although some of the targeted ships have no known connection to Israel.
With Post wires.