Russia calls urgent UN meeting as US & UK night strikes on Yemen spark global outrage
"We strongly condemn the US and the UK's morning attacks on several Yemeni cities. This represents a clear violation of Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity and a breach of international law," reported the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, as quoted by Reuters. The spokesperson added that these Western attacks fuel destabilization in the region.
8:04 AM EST, January 12, 2024
The attack on Yemen
Overnight from Thursday to Friday, the United States and the UK conducted strikes on targets related to the Houthi rebels in Yemen, as Reuters reported, citing four US state officials.
Representatives of the White House, the Pentagon, and US President Joe Biden confirmed the reports. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also issued a statement late at night.
"The Royal Air Force conducted targeted attacks on military facilities used by the Houthi rebels in Yemen," wrote Rishi Sunak in his statement.
Tensions in the Red Sea
Thursday's strike followed a series of Houthi attacks on ships transiting the Red Sea, starting on November 19. Yemeni rebels have carried out a total of 27 attacks, the largest of which took place after the international coalition publicly threatened that further rebel-initiated strikes would face "consequences."
The Houthi rebels announced that any US attack on their facilities in Yemen would prompt a robust military counter-response. "The response to any American attack will not merely mirror the operation recently carried out with more than 24 drones and several rockets. It will be something significantly more substantial," stated Abdel Malek al-Houthi, the group leader.
Source: PAP, WP News
