According to the US, the attack targeted a radar that the rebel group used to target ships in the Red Sea
The United States carried out a new attack against the Houthi rebel group in Yemen in the early hours of this Saturday (January 13, 2024), local time Friday night (January 12) in Brasília. According to CENTCOM (an acronym for US Central Command, associated with the US Department of Defense), the attack was “an action following a specific military target associated with the attacks” that took place on Thursday (11). January) was carried out.
Since November, the Houthis have been attacking merchant ships in the Red Sea to show their support for the Palestinians and Hamas, an extremist group that controls the Gaza Strip and is at war with Israel. According to CENTCOM, the target of the new attack was a radar that the rebel group used to target ships.
“Since November 19, 2023, Iranbacked Houthi fighters have attempted to attack and harass vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden 28 times,” CENTCOM said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) in which they confirm the new US attack.
In a statement (full, in English PDF 34 kB) released after the first US attacks, US President Joe Biden said he would not hesitate to take further action against the rebel group.
“These attacks have endangered U.S. personnel, sailors and our partners, jeopardized commerce and threatened freedom of navigation,” Biden said. “I will not hesitate to take additional measures if necessary to protect our people and free international trade,” he added.
The Houthis come from a group from northern Yemen and, like Iran, belong to the Shiite part of the Muslim religion. Due to the religious connection between the group and Tehran, they are considered allies; both see themselves as members of the “Axis of Resistance.” “, which also includes Hamas.
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According to the Portal news agency, the attacks on Thursday (January 11th) were aimed at:
- a military base next to the airport in Yemen's capital Sanaa;
- a military facility near Taiz Airport;
- a Houthi naval base in Hodeidah;
- Military facilities in Hajjah Governorate.
