US-UK Bombing of Houthi Rebels 'Threatening Red Sea'... First Airstrike by Multinational Forces

Biden "Additional Measures If Necessary"
Iran Response Possible...Concerns Over Middle East War Escalation

The United States and the United Kingdom bombed bases of the Iran-aligned Yemeni Houthi rebels. There are growing concerns that the war between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas could escalate into a Middle East war with the involvement of Western countries and neighboring states.

On the 12th (local time), according to the Associated Press, U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement announcing, "This attack was carried out as a direct response to Houthi attacks on international vessels in the Red Sea."

On the 6th (local time), a British destroyer conducted operations against Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The U.S. and the U.K. launched large-scale bombings using Tomahawk cruise missiles, fighter jets, ships, and submarines at more than 12 locations. Targets included Houthi supply centers, air defense systems, and weapons storage facilities.

The Houthis also confirmed that there were attacks by the U.S. and the U.K. in several cities, including the capital Sana'a.

President Biden stated that the bombings were carried out with support from Canada, Australia, Bahrain, and the Netherlands. He also warned that they would not hesitate to take additional measures if necessary.

This is the first time the U.S. military has attacked Yemen. The Iran-aligned armed group Houthis have controlled the Red Sea shipping lanes and attacked civilian vessels since November 19 last year, under the pretext of supporting Hamas against Israel. As a result, most shipping companies chose to reroute around southern Africa, blocking a key route connecting Europe and Asia and worsening the global logistics crisis.

The U.S. established the multinational security initiative "Operation Prosperity Guardian," involving more than 20 countries, and warned the Houthis that military retaliation would follow if attacks did not cease. CNN reported that the U.S. Department of Defense planned attacks on facilities in Yemen and briefed Congress the day before.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, the Houthis stated that if the U.S. and the U.K. expand their military operations, they would strike regional bases.

The direct strike by the U.S. military on the Houthis has been assessed as escalating tensions in the Middle East. There are concerns that the Israel-Hamas war could spread into a broader Middle East conflict. Iran, which leads resistance against the U.S. and Israel in the Middle East, may use this attack as a justification for military retaliation. Iran has not yet stated its position on the airstrikes in Yemen.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.