On Tuesday, the United States conducted additional airstrikes in Yemen, specifically targeting anti-ship ballistic missiles used by the Houthi rebels. This action followed a recent attack by the Iranian-backed group on an American-owned cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden.
According to a US official, the Biden administration characterized these strikes as “self-defense strikes against four Houthi ballistic missiles that posed an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships.” The operation occurred at approximately 4:15 a.m. Sanaa time, with US forces successfully destroying the Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles that were poised for launch from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, as reported by the Daily Mail.
During a press conference on Tuesday, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby acknowledged the Houthis’ remaining capability and emphasized that they have a choice to make regarding how they use it. Kirby stated, “If they choose to keep conducting these attacks, we will continue to defend against them and counter them as appropriate.”
The US military’s involvement in Yemen escalated last week in response to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, ongoing since the outbreak of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), on January 11, three US destroyers, supported by US F-18s and a British warship, intercepted and downed 18 drones and multiple missiles launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.
Various nations, including the US, had previously warned the Houthis of potential retaliation if they persisted in their attacks. The White House issued a statement emphasizing that the Houthis would bear responsibility for the consequences, which could impact lives, the global economy, and the free flow of commerce in critical waterways.
In response to the news of the targeted strikes against the terrorist group’s assets, protests erupted in New York City. Demonstrators called for the UK and US to “go to hell” as they marched through Times Square, chanting slogans like “From Yemen to Palestine, resistance is justified.”
