Joe Biden Confirmed Attacks on Houthi Positions in Yemen; International Community's Response to the Group was 'United and Decisive'

On Thursday, the President of the United States confirmed the attacks by the U.S. and the U.K. on Houthi positions in Yemen, stating: "These attacks were carried out at my direction and with the presence of U.S. and British military forces, supported by Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, successfully, united, and decisively." Joe Biden described the aim of the attacks on Friday morning as ensuring "freedom of navigation in one of the world's most vital waterways," adding: "These attacks are a direct response to the unprecedented Houthi attacks against international maritime vessels, including the first-ever use of anti-ship ballistic missiles in the Red Sea." He emphasized: "These attacks have endangered the lives and property of American personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, disrupted trade, and threatened freedom of navigation. More than 50 countries have been affected by 27 attacks on international commercial shipping. Crews from over 20 countries have been threatened or taken hostage in acts of piracy. More than 2,000 ships have been forced to change their routes thousands of miles to avoid passing through the Red Sea, which can cause delays of several weeks in product delivery, and on January 9, the Houthis carried out their largest attack to date, directly targeting American vessels." The U.S. President noted: "The international community's response to these reckless attacks has been united and decisive. Last month, the United States launched Operation 'Guardian of Prosperity' with a coalition of over 20 countries committed to defending international shipping and preventing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. We also joined over 40 other countries in condemning the Houthi threats, and last week, together with 13 allies and partners, we issued a clear warning that if the Houthi attacks do not stop, there will be consequences, and just yesterday, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution calling for an end to Houthi attacks on commercial vessels." Joe Biden also stated: "Today's defensive action came after extensive diplomatic efforts and an escalation of Houthi attacks against commercial vessels. These targeted attacks send a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or threats to freedom of navigation in one of the most important trade routes in the world. I will not hesitate to take further action if necessary to protect our people and the free flow of international trade." Following the Houthis' disregard for U.S. and U.K. warnings and the Security Council resolution, U.S. and U.K. defense forces targeted the positions of this group supported by the Islamic Republic in Yemen in a joint operation early Friday morning, Middle East time. According to news sources, the cities of Sana'a, Al Hudaydah, Saada, and Dhamar were targeted in these attacks. Politico also reported, citing a U.S. Department of Defense official, that Australia, the Netherlands, Bahrain, and Canada supported and accompanied the United States and the United Kingdom in the joint attacks against Houthi targets in Yemen. Al-Masirah network reported that Al Hudaydah airport, the Kahl camp, Al-Dailami base, and areas in Zabid were targeted in the early morning attack. CNN reported, citing U.S. military sources, that American forces attacked the positions of the Houthi militants supported by the Islamic Republic at several points in western Yemen, and White House officials have informed Congress about the attack on the positions of the Houthi militants. The result of the Houthis' insistence on disrupting international shipping; the positions of this group supported by the Islamic Republic in Yemen were targeted. France is escorting vessels with its interests in the Red Sea. Blinken warned the Islamic Republic: support for the Houthis will have 'consequences.' Associated Press: concerns about the onset of a 'full-scale war' in the region have increased. The commander of the IRGC threatened despite calls to stop destabilizing actions: we will attack the enemy 'from afar and near.' A global container shipping giant has warned its customers about the occurrence of 'major disruption.' India is sending its vessels with 'escorts' around the Red Sea. Blinken is discussing increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza and preventing the escalation of tensions in the region. The Houthis claimed: 'We have guaranteed the security of maritime transport; the U.S. is a threat to shipping in international waters.' The Houthi attack failed just a day after the 'final warning' from the U.S. and its allies. The U.K. warned about the continuation of attacks in the Red Sea: 'International action' is forthcoming. The Security Council condemned the Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea and called for an end to them.