US President Joe Biden spoke Thursday night (between Thursday and Friday) about the US and British attacks in Yemen. "I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and international trade."
Biden began by confirming the attack, saying, "The United States, together with Britain and with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands, successfully carried out strikes against several targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels to endanger freedom of navigation on one of the world's most vital shipping routes. These strikes are a direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks against international vessels in the Red Sea, including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time in history."
US President Joe Biden, Photo: AFP
British-American attack in Yemen, photo: Arab networks
On the events leading up to the attack, Biden said, "More than 50 countries were affected in 27 attacks on international commercial shipping. Crews from more than 20 countries have been threatened or taken hostage in acts of piracy. More than 2,000 ships have had to divert thousands of miles to avoid entering the Red Sea, which could result in weeks of delays in product delivery times."
Regarding the events of January 9, which are considered the largest attack by the Houthis in general and against the United States in particular, Biden said, "The international community's response to these reckless attacks was united and determined. Last month, the United States formed a coalition of more than 20 countries committed to protecting international shipping and deterring Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
Biden and Sunak. Collaboration against the Houthis, photo: AP
"Last week, together with 13 allies and partners, we issued an unequivocal warning that Houthi rebels will bear the consequences if their attacks do not stop. Our defensive action follows this extensive diplomatic campaign and the Houthi rebels' intensifying attacks against commercial vessels. These targeted strikes send a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our people or allow freedom of navigation to be jeopardized on one of the world's most critical commercial routes. I will not hesitate to instruct further measures to protect our people and international trade."
Wrong? We'll fix it! If you find a mistake in the article, please share with us