UK Statement on Attack Against Houthi Positions; Insecurity in International Waterways is Intolerable

The British Air Force, in a joint operation with the US Air Force, targeted Houthi military positions in Yemen early Friday local time. This operation was a response to the dangerous and destabilizing attacks by the Houthis against commercial ships in the Red Sea. According to a statement from the British Prime Minister's office, the Houthis have carried out a series of dangerous and destabilizing attacks against commercial ships in the Red Sea in recent months, threatening British vessels and other international ships, causing major disruptions in vital trade routes and increasing the prices of goods. The statement emphasized that insecurity in international waterways is intolerable. The British Prime Minister's statement also highlighted that the Houthis, despite repeated warnings from the international community, continued their attacks in the Red Sea, including against British and American warships this week. Britain and the US stated that these limited attacks were necessary and proportional, aimed at reducing the military capabilities of the Houthis and protecting global shipping. CNN reported, citing American military sources, that US forces targeted positions of the Iran-backed Houthi militants at several locations in western Yemen. This attack was a reaction to the recent missile and drone attacks by the Houthis on commercial and military ships in the Red Sea. Hours earlier, following the Houthis' disregard for warnings from the US and Britain and a UN Security Council resolution, the US and British defense forces targeted the positions of this Iran-backed group in Yemen in a joint operation early Friday Middle Eastern time. CNN reported that US forces attacked the positions of the Iran-backed Houthi militants at several locations in western Yemen, and White House officials informed Congress about the attack on the Houthi positions. The US President also confirmed the attacks by the US and Britain on Houthi positions in Yemen in a statement on Thursday, saying: 'These attacks were carried out at my direction and with the presence of US and British military forces, with the support of Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, successfully, united, and decisively.' Joe Biden also stated: 'Today's defensive action followed a broad diplomatic campaign and an escalation of Houthi attacks against commercial ships. 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 world's most important trade routes. I will not hesitate to take further actions if necessary to protect our people and the free flow of international trade.' Joe Biden confirmed the attack on Houthi positions in Yemen; the international community's response to this group was 'united and decisive.' The result of the Houthis' insistence on disrupting international shipping; the positions of this Iran-backed group in Yemen were targeted. France is escorting its vessels with 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 threatened despite calls to stop destabilizing actions: We will attack the enemy 'from afar and near.' The global container shipping giant warned its customers about the occurrence of 'major disruptions' and is sending its ships with 'escorts' around the Red Sea.