US, Britain carry out strikes against Houthis in Yemen

YEREVAN, JANUARY 12, ARMENPRESS. The United States and Britain launched strikes from the air and sea againstHouthi militarytargets in Yemen in response to the movement's attacks on ships in the Red Sea, Reuters reports.

As witnesses in Yemen confirmed explosions throughout the country to Reuters, U.S. President Joe Biden cautioned in a statement late on Thursday he would not hesitate to take further action if needed.

"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," Biden said.

Britain's ministry of defence said in a statement that "early indications are that the Houthis' ability to threaten merchant shipping has taken a blow."

Iran, which supports the Houthis,strongly condemnedthe attacks. A spokesperson for the Houthis said there was no justification for the attacks and that the group will continue targeting ships heading towards Israel.

Russia said it had requested anurgent meetingof the U.N. Security Council to discuss the military strikes.

The Houthis say their attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea are a show ofsupport for the Palestinians and Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who is in hospital due to surgery complications, said in a statement that the strikes targeted Houthi capabilities including drones, ballistic and cruise missiles, costal radar and air surveillance.