The United States and United Kingdom struck targets in Yemen connected to the Iranian-backed Houthi rebel group Thursday night, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands. Reports of the attacks appeared at about 01:00 Israel time, and the US and UK governments acknowledged the attacks about two hours later.
It is believed to be the first time strikes have been launched against the Iran-backed group since it started targeting international shipping in the Red Sea late last year.
The Houthis, who control most of Yemen, have been targeting Red Sea shipping routes to show their support for Hamas. The attacks have disrupted international commerce on the key route between Europe and Asia that accounts for about 15% of the world’s shipping traffic.
Houthi leader vowed a response to any US attack
Earlier on Thursday, the Houthi’s leader said any US attack on the group would not go without a response.
The Houthis, who seized much of Yemen in a civil war, have vowed to attack ships linked to Israel or bound for Israeli ports. However, many of the targeted ships have had no links to Israel.
The US military said on Thursday Houthis fired an anti-ship ballistic missile into international shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden, the 27th attack by the group since Nov. 19.
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