US and UK carry out strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen

The American-British operation was carried out in “direct response to the unprecedented attacks by the Houthis on international ships in the Red Sea,” said Joe Biden.

The United States and the United Kingdom carried out strikes on the night of Thursday January 11 to Friday January 12 against the Houthi rebels, who have been threatening international maritime traffic in the Red Sea for weeks. “solidarity” with the Palestinians in Gaza. These strikes targeted military sites in several towns controlled by Yemeni rebels, the group’s television channel said. They left five dead and six injured, according to a Houthi spokesperson.

In the wake of the Israel-Hamas war, the Houthis have increased missile and drone attacks in the Red Sea since mid-November, pushing many shipowners to bypass the area, which is driving up transport costs and times. between Europe and Asia. In response, the United States had already deployed warships and set up an international coalition in December to protect maritime traffic in this area where 12% of world trade passes.

Washington defends “defensive” action

The American-British operation was carried out “with success” in response “direct to unprecedented Houthi attacks on international ships in the Red Sea”, said US President Joe Biden. He mentioned an action “defensive” supported to protect international trade in particular.

“The actions of [vendredi] demonstrate a shared commitment to freedom of navigation, international trade and the defense of seafarers’ lives in the face of illegal and unjustifiable attacks.”declared the governments of the ten member countries of the coalition (Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, United Kingdom and United States). “Our goal remains the de-escalation of tensions and the restoration of stability in the Red Sea, they continued. But … we will not hesitate to defend lives and ensure the free flow of commerce in one of the world’s most important waterways in the face of persistent threats.”

Russia denounced, on Friday, American-British strikes leading to “climbing” and having “destructive goals”. For its part, China said “concerned” by the increase in tensions in the Red Sea.