In a joint military operation, the United States and the United Kingdom conducted airstrikes targeting more than 60 Houthi rebel sites in Yemen. The overnight strikes focused on 16 key locations, including radar installations and storage sites for drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, Bloomberg reported citing the statements from American officials and the U.S. Air Force.
The move comes in response to weeks of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, disrupting commercial shipping and prompting concerns about the freedom of navigation in a crucial international trade route. President Joe Biden emphasized that the airstrikes convey a "clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation."
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the military action as "limited, necessary, and proportionate" after a series of what he called "dangerous and destabilizing attacks" by the Houthis against shipping in the Red Sea.
While the primary aim of the airstrikes was to cripple the Houthi rebels' ability to target commercial vessels, there are concerns that the escalation might broaden the conflict that initially began with Hamas militants entering Israel on October 7.
The Houthi leader, Abdul Malik Al-Houthi, responded to the military action with a vow of a "big" retaliation against the U.S. and its allies, stating, "Any American attack won’t go unpunished."
The strikes occurred shortly after Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded a Middle East trip, seeking support for more assertive measures against the Houthi rebels. The military action marks a significant escalation in the conflict and raises the risk of the Israel-Hamas war evolving into a larger regional confrontation.
Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles expressed support for the strikes, emphasizing their importance in "maintaining freedom of navigation on the high seas" and protecting global trade.
Global crude oil prices reacted to the developments, with Brent moving higher by about 2% following the strikes in Yemen. The long-term impact on oil prices depends on the unfolding events and potential further reactions.
The strikes were met with heavy explosions in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and the port city of Hodeida. Initial assessments indicate that the targeted sites had no civilians nearby, and there are early indications that the strikes significantly impacted the Houthis' ability to launch future attacks.
This military engagement further entangles the U.S. in conflicts with Iranian proxies, following recent attacks in Syria and Iraq targeting Iranian-supported militias. The strikes also prompted condemnation from the Iran-backed Palestinian Islamic Jihad Movement.
Efforts to deter Houthi attacks have proven challenging in the past, with the creation of a maritime task force late last month failing to prevent the escalation of hostilities. The Houthi rebels have attempted 27 attacks on commercial shipping since November 19, contributing to disruptions in global shipping routes.
The situation prompted many commercial shippers to reroute vessels around the southern tip of Africa, avoiding the Red Sea and increasing shipping times. President Biden noted that over 2,000 ships had been forced to divert thousands of miles to navigate around the Red Sea.
The extensive airstrikes represent a calculated risk for the U.S., given its priority of preventing the spread of the conflict amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Despite concerns from regional nations, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, about potential escalation, the U.S. and its allies proceeded with the military action. Following the strikes, Saudi Arabia called for restraint and avoiding escalation following the strikes, reflecting the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Earlier, Daryo reported on a crucial development at the United Nations Security Council, which has taken decisive action to address the escalating crisis in the Red Sea. The council passed a resolution demanding an immediate halt to attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on merchant ships. The resolution, supported by 11 votes, implicitly assigns blame to Iran as the primary weapons supplier to the Houthi insurgents. Strong condemnation was expressed by the Security Council towards the Houthi rebels for their involvement in at least two dozen attacks, causing significant disruptions to global commerce, threatening navigational rights, and undermining regional peace and security. A major point of contention highlighted in the resolution was the release of the Galaxy Leader, the first ship targeted by the Houthis.
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