Editorial
The United States recently conducted new attacks against Houthi targets in Yemen, CNN reported. The operation, as stated by the New York Times, would have targeted a radar facility in the country, aiming to limit the Houthis' ability to attack ships transiting the Red Sea. USS Carney (DDG 64) conducted the attack using missiles Tomahawk, thus completing the bombing operations that began the day before yesterday.
The Pentagon source specified that the objective was to reduce the Houthis' ability to threaten maritime transport, including commercial ones. The Al-Dailami air base in Sanaa has been reported as one of the new targets of the offensive, as reported by the correspondent of Al-masirah, a television channel founded and owned by the rebel movement.
The president of the United States, Joe Biden, responded to reporters' questions by stating that the United States will continue its bombing operations in response to the Houthis' shameful behavior. Meanwhile, the Russian representative to the Security Council, Vasily Nebenzia, criticized the US and British attacks, calling them a “flagrant aggression” and a “massive attack” on Yemeni territory.
Italy expressed its support for the operations of allied countries, underlining the right to defend its own vessels to guarantee free and safe navigation in the Red Sea. However, the Italian government made it clear that it was not asked to participate in the attacks, as it did not sign the US document. The Italian Foreign Minister, Tajani, highlighted that Italy cannot participate in war missions without the approval of Parliament.
The Italian government condemned the Houthi attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea, reiterating its support for the right of free and safe navigation in accordance with international standards. Italy also welcomed the approval of a UN Security Council resolution and underlined the importance of avoiding further tensions in the region.
There were 73 air raids conducted by the United States and Great Britain against Houthi military positions in Yemen. The operation targeted “missile and drone launch sites” used against shipping in the Red Sea. The attack order came from Joe Biden in response to a Yemeni missile launched yesterday against a transiting ship.
The American president justified the action by claiming that the Houthis had put at risk the freedom of navigation in one of the most vital shipping routes in the world. He also declared his willingness to order further operations. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak commented that the attacks send a "strong signal" to the Houthis.
Since November, the Houthis have launched 27 attacks in the Red Sea, affecting 12% of global trade that routinely passes through this sea route. Supplies, production and prices could be affected due to cargo route diversions. The most recent missile fell a few hundred meters from a ship, according to United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations.
The European Union is considering sending "at least three destroyers or anti-aircraft frigates with multi-mission capabilities" to the Red Sea for at least a year, with the rules of engagement yet to be defined.
The reaction of the so-called 'axis of resistance', supported by Iran and including the Houthis, Hezbollah and Hamas, was condemnatory. Hamas called the action a provocation against the Palestinian nation, threatening consequences. Iran and Russia accused the United States and the United Kingdom of arbitrary action and a strategic mistake, while Turkish President Erdogan spoke of a disproportionate use of force, accusing London and Washington of wanting a bloodbath in the Red Sea .
Saudi Arabia, which has led a coalition of Arab countries against the Houthis since 2015, and China have expressed concern. Egypt also called for reducing instability in the region, considering its efforts to facilitate a negotiation between Israel and Hamas and its revenues from trade transit in the Suez Canal and tourism in the Red Sea.
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