An Israeli official announced that Tel Aviv is on high alert in anticipation of potential retaliation following the American and British strikes on Houthi sites in Yemen earlier today, according to Axios. A senior U.S. official, meanwhile, anticipated a Houthi response to the bombardment, noting that U.S. and British forces in the Red Sea are on alert to defend themselves, though no movements have been detected thus far.
The Israeli official informed Axios beforehand of the strikes targeting Houthi positions. In the context of readiness, a senior American official confirmed that U.S. and British forces are on alert following today's dawn strikes on the Houthis. While the possibility of Houthi retaliation was not dismissed, it was explained that the U.S. and British strikes would have a significant impact on the Houthis' ability to attack ships in the Red Sea.
"Over time, this will reduce their capability and desire to launch these attacks, so we won't be surprised to see some form of response," the official remarked.
The American official pointed out that the strikes in Yemen were precisely aimed at the military capabilities of the Houthis, stressing that the United States and its allies used precision munitions and took care to avoid collateral damage by steering clear of civilian population centers.
Reuters quoted the American official stating that Iran bears "responsibility for the role it plays in attacks against American forces" and suggested that Iran is involved at every level in the Houthi attacks.
📷 Images of the American and British bombing on the city of Hodeidah in western Yemen #Gaza_War #News pic.twitter.com/LnbCX41toP
— Al Jazeera Channel (@AJArabic) January 12, 2024
The United States and Britain conducted aerial strikes against Ansar Allah Houthi group targets in Yemen at dawn. A U.S. official told Al Jazeera that the strikes hit radar sites, drone platforms, missiles, and coastal monitoring locations, adding that the operation has ended "but we reserve the right to respond if threats continue."
The Wall Street Journal reported, quoting a U.S. official, that the U.S.-led coalition launched more than 12 raids on Houthi targets. A leading figure from the Houthi group, Abdullah bin Amer, told Al Jazeera that the strikes targeted military sites around Sanaa and Hodeidah. He mentioned that his group was hit by surprise attacks, but emphasized that the Houthis were quick to respond, affirming that they have "the capabilities that allow us to legitimately defend ourselves."
The Houthi leader blamed Washington and London for what he described as militarizing the Red Sea and asserted that his group will continue its operations in the Red Sea until the aggression on Gaza is ended. Abdullah bin Amer threatened to strike American and British bases in the region if Washington and London broaden the battle.
Similarly, Ali al-Qahoum, a leader in the Ansar Allah Houthi group and a member of the political office, mentioned his forces strongly responded to American and British warships in the Red Sea.
In the meantime, Hussein Al-Ezzi, a leader in the Ansar Allah Houthi group, indicated that Yemen experienced a broad aggressive attack from ships, submarines, and warplanes of the United States and Britain. He stressed the need for America and Britain to prepare to pay a steep price and bear all the severe consequences of this blatant aggression, according to his statement.
