US and UK launch strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen

Heavy US and British air strikes pounded Houthi targets in Yemen early on Friday.

The strikes targeted an airbase, airports and a military camp, the Huthi's Al-Masirah TV station said, with AFP correspondents and witnesses also reporting hearing bombardments.

"Our country was subjected to a massive aggressive attack by American and British ships, submarines and warplanes," Huthi Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein Al-Ezzi said, according to official rebel media.

"America and Britain will have to prepare to pay a heavy price and bear all the dire consequences of this blatant aggression," he added.

Images on social media, some of them purportedly of Al-Dailami airbase north of Sanaa, showed explosions lighting up the sky as loud bangs and the roar of planes sounded.

US President Joe Biden called the US and British strikes a "defensive action" after the Red Sea attacks and said he "will not hesitate" to order further military action if needed.

The strikes involved fighter jets and Tomahawk missiles, several US media outlets said.

Yemeni supporteres of the Huthis shout anti-Israel and anti-US slogans during a march in solidarity with the Palestinian people in the Huthi-controlled capital Sanaa on January 11, 2024. (Photo by MOHAMMED HUWAIS / AFP)

Saudi's 'great concern'

Neighbouring Saudi Arabia, which is trying to end its involvement in a nine-year war with the Huthis, urged against escalation.

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is following with great concern the military operations," a foreign ministry statement said, calling for "self-restraint and avoiding escalation".

Washington set up an international coalition in December -- dubbed Operation Prosperity Guardian -- to protect maritime traffic in the area, through which 12 per cent of world trade flows.

Twelve nations led by the United States later warned the Huthis on January 3 of "consequences" unless they immediately stopped attacks on commercial vessels.

Story by AFP