Shortly after the attack, President Joe Biden delivered a speech on the incident, saying that the US and UK airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen were “in direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea.”
A Typhoon aircraft takes off as part of a US-led coalition conducting airstrikes against military targets in Yemen on January 11, 2024. Photo: Sergeant Lee Goddard
President Biden ordered the strike just days after what the US military called a “complex attack” by militants in Yemen on ships in the Red Sea. Here’s a look at the international and US reaction to the attack:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement: It called for restraint and “avoidance of escalation” and said it was following the situation with “deep concern… The Kingdom stresses the importance of maintaining the security and stability of the Red Sea region, as freedom of navigation there is an international demand.”
A US warship launches a missile strike against Houthi rebels 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-defense, 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 deliberate operation."
US Representative Gregory Meeks, Democrat
“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
US Senate Republican Leader 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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