White House: US Navy's Preemptive Strikes Against Houthis Were Effective

John Kirby, the White House National Security Council's communications advisor, emphasized the effectiveness of the US Navy's preemptive strikes against the Houthis in Yemen during a conference call. In response to a question about the impact of these strikes, Kirby stated, "Attacks on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen have changed their tactics. The Houthis, who previously conducted large-scale drone attacks, are now limited in this regard." He mentioned that the United States has conducted deterrent operations in the Red Sea, which will continue. The White House National Security Advisor also referred to recent Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, saying, "Although these attacks were on a grain-carrying ship for the people of Yemen, they did not hinder humanitarian assistance." However, he stressed the ongoing threat of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and warned against underestimating the Houthi threat. Kirby further pointed to the Islamic Republic's support for the Houthis, stating, "While Iran continues to support the Houthis and supply them with materials and weapons, the US Navy is conducting a series of deterrent operations in the Red Sea aimed at limiting the flow of resources to the rebels." He also urged Congress to expedite financial assistance, specifically mentioning the approximately $2.5 billion allocated to the US Central Command (CENTCOM) for completing weapons and support operations in the Middle East. In response to a question about designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, he defended the US strategy in imposing existing sanctions, stating, "More than 4,000 Russian individuals and entities have been previously sanctioned, and further sanctions are underway to hold Russia accountable." He emphasized the effectiveness of the sanctions on Russia, saying, "These sanctions have been effective in limiting Moscow's ability to finance military operations." Kirby also noted Putin's reliance on the Islamic Republic for missiles and North Korea for artillery shells, stating, "This indicates the impact of sanctions on Russia's capabilities." President Joe Biden announced on Friday that the US would impose over 500 new sanctions against Russia in commemoration of the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine. CENTCOM: Houthi's baseless attacks on ships have also endangered the environment. The US destroyed nine Houthi drones and missiles as an 'imminent threat.' Four Middle Eastern nationals are being prosecuted in the US for attempting to arm the Houthis. Warning from Iran-backed Houthis to ships: 'We will use submarines.' Bloomberg: Houthis are preparing for a 'long-term battle' with the US in the Red Sea. A British ship caught fire after a 'missile attack' near Yemen. The US destroyed nine Houthi missiles, launchers, and drones. The US condemned the 'irresponsible and indiscriminate attacks by the Houthis on civilian ships.' The US expressed concern over the shipment of Iranian-made weapons to Sudan.