US President Joe Biden has confirmed the continuation of attacks on the Houthi rebels despite acknowledging their persistent assaults in the Red Sea. The fifth round of US strikes on Yemen occurred after a Houthi drone targeted a US ship. White House spokesman John Kirby stated that American forces successfully neutralized a range of Houthi missiles poised for launch toward the Red Sea. President Biden, addressing reporters, emphasized that the Houthi attacks had not ceased and affirmed the ongoing military response.
US Central Command, overseeing Middle East operations, reported conducting strikes on two Houthi anti-ship missiles identified in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. The strikes were deemed defensive measures to protect merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region. Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh clarified that the US does not seek war with the Houthis, emphasizing the defensive nature of their actions.
Meanwhile, the Houthi leader delivered a televised speech expressing pride in direct confrontation with Israel, the US, and the UK, characterizing foreign actions as violations of Yemen's sovereignty. A US-owned tanker ship, surrounded by four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) off Yemen's southeast coast, faced no impact, according to British security firm Ambrey.
The Houthi attacks on merchant vessels, initiated in response to Israel's military operations in Gaza, have escalated, prompting US and UK airstrikes on Houthi targets. This joint action, supported by Australia, Bahrain, the Netherlands, and Canada, was launched after Houthi forces ignored a request to cease their Red Sea attacks.
