WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden declared Thursday that recent US and British air strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels were “defensive” and cautioned of additional measures if the rebels persisted in attacking ships in the Red Sea.
The strikes, aimed at Houthi missile and drone capabilities, were initiated in response to an “unprecedented” series of 27 Houthi attacks on ships, including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles.
The Western strikes, though risking regional tensions, were deemed necessary to protect freedom of navigation in a vital waterway. Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands provided non-operational support to the joint operation, emphasizing the coalition’s aim to de-escalate tensions. In response, Houthi leader Abdel-Malek al-Houthi warned of a significant retaliation for any US attack, exceeding the recent drone and missile strike targeting a US ship in the Red Sea.
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Saudi Arabia called for restraint and the avoidance of escalation, expressing concern over the air strikes. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the strikes sought to “disrupt and degrade” Houthi capabilities to target international shipping, focusing on unmanned aerial vehicles, ballistic and cruise missiles, and coastal radar and air surveillance capabilities.
While President Biden asserted the success of the strikes, the long-term impact on deterring the Houthi rebels remains uncertain. The administration anticipates significant degradation of Houthi capabilities but emphasizes ongoing evaluation and potential future measures to address the evolving situation.
