In a coordinated effort, the United States and the United Kingdom launched airstrikes against Houthi rebel targets in Yemen as a response to ongoing attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The strikes targeted over 60 locations associated with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, including command centers, munitions depots, production facilities, and air defense radar systems.
The move, aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation and global trade, has drawn mixed reactions. Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and the UK supported the action, emphasizing the international community's consensus against the Houthis. Meanwhile, Russia has called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting, expressing concern over the violation of Yemen's sovereignty.
Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam condemned the strikes, asserting that they would continue targeting Israeli-affiliated ships. Iran's foreign ministry criticized the attacks as a violation of international laws, while Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese group, condemned the US, linking them to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
US officials pointed to Iran's involvement, accusing them of providing support and intelligence to the Houthis. However, President Biden's statement did not explicitly mention Iran, focusing solely on degrading Houthi capabilities and preventing further attacks.
The impact on global trade is evident, with disruptions in the Red Sea affecting shipping routes and prompting companies like Tesla to suspend production due to shipping delays. As tensions escalate, concerns arise about potential consequences, including increased costs for oil and goods that may impact consumers worldwide.
Protests have emerged, with demonstrators outside the White House chanting slogans against the airstrikes, reflecting the global unease surrounding the situation. The international community remains vigilant, with Saudi Arabia urging restraint and monitoring the situation closely. The coming days will reveal the effectiveness of the strikes in achieving their intended goals and the geopolitical repercussions in the region.