In recent days, the international community has been closely watching the developments in Yemen, where the US and UK have launched strikes against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. These strikes were in response to the Houthis’ attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, which began in mid-November.
The US and UK militaries have launched strikes against multiple Houthi targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, using a mix of fighter jets and Tomahawk missiles. The strikes targeted radar systems, drone storage and launch sites, ballistic missile storage and launch sites, and cruise missile storage and launch sites.
The international community has had mixed reactions to these strikes. Some countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have expressed support for the actions taken by the US and UK, while others have criticized the strikes as an escalation of the conflict. Iran, in particular, has condemned the strikes and called for a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
Reactions from Political Figures and Representatives
The Houthis, a rebel group in Yemen, have vowed to fight back against the US and UK, with a spokesperson stating, “Any aggression against our people and our country will not go unanswered. We will respond with all means at our disposal to defend our sovereignty and our people.”
Iran, a key supporter of the Houthis, has condemned the strikes and called for a diplomatic solution to the crisis. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Saeed Khatibzadeh, stated, “These strikes are a clear violation of international law and a threat to regional peace and stability. We urge the international community to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen.”
Yemeni government officials, who are supported by the Saudi-led coalition against the Houthis, have expressed their support for the US-UK strikes. Yemeni Foreign Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak stated, “The international community must take decisive action to protect the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and to deter the Houthis from further attacks on international shipping.”
The UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, called the strikes “necessary and proportionate” and said that the Houthis would face “consequences” if the attacks continued. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin echoed this sentiment, stating that the US would take “on actions to protect US forces” if necessary.
Impact on Global Oil Market
The global oil market has also been affected by the strikes, with oil prices rising by 2.5%. This increase in oil prices reflects the concerns of the international community about the potential disruption of oil supplies due to the conflict in the Red Sea.
