The Houthi attack follows the US and UK offensive in Yemen where 18 targets linked to Yemeni rebels were hit on Saturday
US and UK strike in Yemen, Houthis respond with missiles and drones in the Red Sea. The contemporary declination of the law of retaliation leads to an escalation of clashes.
The Yemeni navy, under Houthi control, said a military operation targeted the US tanker Torm Thor, which is in the Gulf of Aden, as well as some US warships in the Red Sea. This is what is reported by Al-Masirah, an information organization headed by the Yemeni Shiite movement, an ally of Hamas and financed by Iran. “The attacks are the response to the aggression against our country and against the Palestinian people,” the statement read.
Back and forth between the US and UK on one side and the Houthi rebels on the other
The Houthi attack follows the US and UK offensive in Yemen where 18 sensitive targets were hit on Saturday. Also in this case a retaliatory spiral, triggered by attacks by rebels sponsored by Tehran against ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Last week a missile launched by the Houthis hit a cargo ship.
According to US officials, in the hours before the Houthis responded, US and British fighter jets struck sites in eight locations, targeting missiles, launchers, rockets, drones and air defense systems. It is the fourth time the US and British militaries have conducted a joint operation against the Houthis since January 12.
The aircraft carrier Eisenhower in the Red Sea
But the United States has also carried out almost daily strikes to eliminate militant targets, including incoming missiles and drones aimed at ships, as well as weapons prepared for launch. The U.S. F/A-18 fighter jets launched from the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, which is currently in the Red Sea, officials said.
In a statement, the US, UK and other allies said the “necessary and proportionate” strikes targeted 18 Houthi targets in 8 locations in Yemen, including underground storage facilities, radar and a helicopter. The attacks have the support of a broader coalition, including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands and New Zealand.
Who are the Houthis
The Houthis are a militia group that formed in the 1990s in northern Yemen and represent a branch of Shiite Islam. The movement was born in opposition to both the political and religious influence of Saudi Arabia, a Sunni country, in Yemen. The Houthis control the Red Sea and are supported by Iran, which provides them with weapons and financial resources.
