U.S. Air Force: 60 Military Targets of Houthis in Yemen Were Attacked

U.S. officials stated that U.S. and British forces targeted positions of the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen during attacks on Friday morning, January 12. According to the Associated Press, the two countries conducted a retaliatory and extensive strike using Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets to bomb Houthi positions. In this regard, the U.S. Air Force Central Command announced that over 60 targets in 16 areas in Yemen, including command and control positions, ammunition depots, rocket launch systems, and radar systems, were targeted in the Friday morning attacks. Reuters also reported that a Houthi official confirmed attacks in Sana'a, the capital of Yemen, as well as in the cities of Saada and Dhamar and in the Hodeidah province. Eyewitnesses also told Reuters that the U.S. and Britain targeted a military base near Sana'a airport, a military position near Taiz airport, the Houthi naval base in Hodeidah, and military positions in Hajjah province. U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the aim of the attacks on Houthi positions was to 'ensure freedom of navigation in one of the world's most vital waterways' and added that 'these attacks were a direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks on ships in international routes.' He emphasized that 'the purpose of these attacks was to show that the United States and its allies will not tolerate the Houthis' relentless attacks on the Red Sea.' Mr. Biden noted that the attacks were carried out only after attempts at diplomatic negotiations and careful consideration. Meanwhile, the Islamic Republic condemned the attack on its proxy group in Yemen. The Lebanese Hezbollah group, another proxy of the Islamic Republic in the Middle East, also condemned the U.S. and British attacks on the Houthis. The Houthis have also expressed support for continuing their operations in support of the Hamas militia group in Gaza. Meanwhile, Russia called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. This country, along with China and two other countries, abstained from voting on the U.S. proposed resolution in the UN Security Council on Wednesday, January 10. After the resolution was passed, John Kirby, the White House National Security Council Coordinator, stated: 'The text of the resolution explicitly calls on the Houthis to stop these attacks and emphasizes the need for Security Council support for safe navigation and the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Red Sea.' Mr. Kirby added: 'The United States is not seeking conflict and is calling for the safe and secure passage of commercial vessels through the Red Sea. However, if this is not achieved, we will consult with our partners on further actions if necessary.' 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.' There is widespread support among American lawmakers for the U.S. and allied attacks against the Houthis; it was a necessary response to ongoing attacks. A senior Biden administration official stated: 'The Islamic Republic has always been a supporter of the Houthis, or rather their main supporter.' The British statement regarding the attack on Houthi positions stated that insecurity in international waterways is intolerable. The Islamic Republic criticized the U.S. and British attacks on Houthi positions in Yemen. Coalition airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen; Saudi Arabia called for restraint.