The Consequences of Houthi Disruption of International Shipping; Positions of This Iran-Supported Group in Yemen Targeted

Following the Houthis' disregard for warnings from the United States and Britain, as well as a UN Security Council resolution, the defense forces of the United States and Britain targeted positions of this Iran-supported group in Yemen in a joint operation early Friday morning, Middle Eastern time. According to news sources, cities such as Sana'a, Al Hudaydah, Sa'dah, and Dhamar were targeted in these attacks. Politico reported, citing a U.S. Defense Department official, that Australia, the Netherlands, Bahrain, and Canada supported the United States and Britain in the joint attacks against Houthi targets in Yemen. Al-Masirah network also reported that Al Hudaydah airport, the Kahlān camp, Al-Dailami base, and areas in Zabid were targeted in the early morning assault. CNN, citing U.S. military sources, reported that U.S. forces attacked positions of Iran-backed Houthi militants at several locations in western Yemen, and White House officials informed Congress about the attack on Houthi positions. Qatari Al Jazeera network also reported, citing an American official, that the attacks against Houthi positions in Yemen have ended, but the United States and Britain reserve the right to respond if Houthi threats against international shipping continue. In the first reaction from the Houthis to the U.S. and British attacks, Abdullah bin Amer, deputy director of the Moral Guidance Department affiliated with Yemen's Ministry of Defense in Sana'a, stated: 'If the U.S. and Britain expand their attacks, we will target their bases in the region.' Ali al-Qahoum, a senior member of Yemen's Ansar Allah, claimed that a fierce war in the Red Sea targeting U.S. and British military bases and larger actions is imminent. Abdul-Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi, the leader of the Houthi rebels in Yemen, stated on Thursday before the U.S. and British military attack on the group: 'We will undoubtedly stand firm against any U.S. attack and will not leave any aggression unanswered.' U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also warned the Houthis and the Islamic Republic on Wednesday that the ongoing attacks by Iran-backed Houthis on commercial shipping lines in the Red Sea would have 'consequences.' The British Defense Minister had previously warned the Houthis that London is considering 'direct action' against this group, and if Houthi attacks on commercial ships do not cease, Britain will undoubtedly respond militarily. The UN Security Council on Wednesday issued a resolution proposed by the United States, calling on the Iran-supported Houthis to immediately stop attacks on shipping lines. The British newspaper Telegraph reported on Wednesday, citing its intelligence sources inside Iran, that the Houthi group has been trained at the 'Khamenei University of Marine Sciences and Technologies' in Zibakenar, Rasht, and that Ali Khamenei personally supervises their activities. France has been escorting ships with its interests in the Red Sea. Blinken's warning to 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 threatens despite calls to stop destabilizing actions: We will attack the enemy 'from afar and near.' A global container shipping giant has warned its clients about a potential 'major disruption' and is sending its ships with 'escort' around the Red Sea. India is also sending its ships with 'escort' around the Red Sea.