Yemen

Houthis Threaten More Attacks Against Western Warships

JAN 31 2024·Updated FEB 1 2024

Story

Image credit: Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Facts

Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Wednesday vowed to target all US and British warships operating in waters near Yemen "within the right of legitimate self-defence" of their country.
The Telegraph
The warning has come after the two countries, part of a naval coalition established last December to patrol the Red Sea following escalated Houthi attacks on commercial shipping, continue to strike Houthi sites in Yemen.
Al Jazeera
Meanwhile, the Yemeni Armed Forces have claimed that the country's naval forces had fired "several" missiles at a US Navy destroyer, adding that such operations will continue until Israel halts military operations and eases restrictions on humanitarian aid for Gaza.
PressTV
On Wednesday, US officials acknowledged that the USS Gravely had to use its "Close-In Weapon System" to down a cruise missile they alleged was launched into the Red Sea but came within a mile of the warship on Tuesday night.
CNN
Later, the Houthis said that they attacked a US merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden "with several appropriate naval missiles." However, it turned out to be a Liberian-flagged container ship reportedly operated by a UK-based company.
Reuters
Meanwhile, the EU has said it could approve a naval mission in the Red Sea by Feb. 19 to help protect cargo ships from the continued Houthi attacks.
ap

Sources Split

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The Spin

Establishment-critical narrative

Houthis have legitimately carried out attacks against Israeli-owned ships and merchant vessels heading to Israel-occupied Palestine in open support for people in Gaza suffering under Tel Aviv's brutal campaign. Yet, the US and UK claim that their forces are entitled to violate international law and strike Yemen as if their aggression would be enough to undermine the moral fiber of the Houthis.

Farsnews Agency

Pro-establishment narrative

It's not the Houthis but the US and UK that have been acting in self-defense in the Red Sea. While the UN Security Council Resolution 2722 doesn't authorize the use of force against the Iran-backed militants, the Houthis forced the countries to take action only after their missiles directly attacked American and British warships and aircraft.