On Thursday evening, AlertsUSA subscribers were some of the first in the nation to learn that the U.S. and Britain had launched attacks on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The joint strikes were carried out with nonoperational support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands. The US struck over 60 targets at 16 Houthi sites, including command and control nodes, munitions depots, launch systems, production facilities, and radar systems, all of which were used to carry out attacks against vessels operating in international waters.
The White House issued a statement from President Biden shortly after the first round of strikes were concluded.
"These strikes are in direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea—including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time in history. These attacks have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardized trade, and threatened freedom of navigation. More than 50 nations have been affected in 27 attacks on international commercial shipping. Crews from more than 20 countries have been threatened or taken hostage in acts of piracy. More than 2,000 ships have been forced to divert thousands of miles to avoid the Red Sea—which can cause weeks of delays in product shipping times. And on January 9, Houthis launched their largest attack to date—directly targeting American ships."
[...]
"Today’s defensive action follows this extensive diplomatic campaign and Houthi rebels’ escalating attacks against commercial vessels. These targeted strikes are a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical commercial routes. I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary."
Readers are reminded that just last week, the Houthis were warned by the U.S. and 11 other nations to cease their attacks or face potential military action.
Houthi Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Jahaf is threatening revenge:
"Whoever is involved will pay the price. Our attacks will not stop until you leave the region, and we will not stop trampling on you until we see humiliation and disgrace among you. Yemen is now disciplining Britain and America at sea."
The U.S. Navy has warned American-flagged vessels to steer clear of areas around Yemen in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden for the next 72 hours
As a final note, some readers may find the Houthi's official slogan and demonstration chant interesting:
"Allah is Great. Death to America. Death to Israel. Curse on the Jews. Victory to Islam"
Here we go...
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