Shortly after the attack, President Joe Biden delivered a statement on the incident, saying that the airstrikes carried out by the US and the UK on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen were “in direct response to the Houthis’ unprecedented attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea.”
A Typhoon aircraft takes off as part of a US-led coalition conducting air strikes against military targets in Yemen on January 11, 2024. Photo: Sgt Lee Goddard
President Biden ordered the strike just days after what the U.S. military called a “complex attack” by militants in Yemen on ships in the Red Sea. Here’s how the international and U.S. reaction to the attack unfolded:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement: Calling for restraint and “avoiding escalation” and said it was following the situation with “deep concern… The Kingdom stresses the importance of maintaining security and stability in the Red Sea region, as freedom of navigation there is an international imperative.”
A US warship launches a missile strike against Houthis in Yemen from an undisclosed location on January 11, 2024. Photo: US Central Command
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte
“The US and UK actions are based on self-defence, aimed at protecting freedom of navigation and focused on de-escalation. The Netherlands, with its long history as a seafaring nation, places significant importance on the right of freedom of navigation and supports this targeted operation.”
Representative Gregory Meeks, Democrat of the United States
“While I support these targeted military strikes, I urge the Biden Administration to continue its diplomatic efforts to avoid escalation into a broader regional war and to continue to engage with Congress on the details of its strategy and legal basis as required by law.”
A military aircraft takes off during the US-led offensive against the Houthis. Photo: US Central Command
Republican leader in the US Senate Mitch Mcconnell
“I welcome the US and coalition operations against the Houthi terrorists… responsible for severely disrupting international commerce in the Red Sea and attacking US vessels.”
Huy Hoang (according to Reuters, CNN)
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