(Washington) The United States “successfully conducted three defensive strikes” Friday against Houthi rebels in Yemen, White House spokesman John Kirby said.
He said these operations targeted missile launchers ready to strike in the Red Sea.
PHOTO BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
White House Press Secretary John Kirby
The Yemeni rebels, who claim to be targeting ships “linked to Israel”, as a sign of solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza, had for their part earlier claimed new strikes against an American merchant ship circulating in the Gulf of Aden.
This latest attack by the movement supported by Iran, the bane of the United States, did not, however, cause any damage according to Washington, which for its part supports Israel.
The Americans and the British, backed by a small group of countries, first struck the Houthis in Yemen on January 12, targeting radar and missile and drone infrastructure. Several other strikes have followed since.
Repeated attacks by the Houthis have forced many shipowners to avoid this key passage for international trade, raising fears of an increase in prices and supply problems.