2024-01-12 00:36:53
According to media reports, the USA, Great Britain and other allies have begun a military strike against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Several targets were attacked on Friday night, including by fighter jets, reported the New York Times, the US broadcaster CNN and other media, citing informed sources.
There was initially no official confirmation from the US government on Thursday evening (local time).
Since the Gaza war broke out between Israel and the Islamist Hamas, the Houthis have repeatedly attacked ships with alleged Israeli connections in the Red Sea. Large shipping companies are increasingly avoiding the route. The Houthis also repeatedly attack Israel directly with drones and missiles. There had recently been increasing signs of a reaction from the USA and its allies.
In recent days, Britain’s Defense Secretary Grant Shapps has repeatedly warned of consequences if the attacks do not stop. According to media reports, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak therefore convened his cabinet for telephone consultations at short notice on Thursday evening. U.S. National Security Council communications director John Kirby warned Thursday that if the Houthis do not stop their attacks, they will face the consequences.
Around ten percent of all world trade passes through the Red Sea. The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean with the Red Sea, providing the shortest sea route between Asia and Europe. The alternative route around the South African Cape of Good Hope extends the transport by a few days.
The Shiite Houthi rebels have taken over large parts of Yemen’s north in their uprising that has been ongoing since 2014, and they also control the capital Sanaa. The rebels are supported by Shiite-majority Iran.
Just a few days ago, the Houthis carried out a major attack using drones and missiles on ships in the Red Sea. As the responsible US regional command announced, 18 drones and three missiles were intercepted by US and British units.
“According to current knowledge, the attack was the Houthis’ most extensive attack on international shipping since mid-October,” a spokesman for the German Foreign Office said in Berlin on Wednesday. “This attack and the other attacks, the ongoing attacks, show that the Houthis are clearly committed to escalation against international merchant shipping and against the ships of our partners and allies in the region,” he said.
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