Biden says US, UK struck Huthis in ‘defensive action’

File photo : Houthi military helicopter flies over the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea in this photo released November 20, 2023.//Reuters

Washington, United States – President Joe Biden said Thursday that US and British forces had launched air strikes against Iran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen in “defensive action” after attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.

In a statement, Biden said the strikes on the Huthis were carried out with “support” from Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands, adding that he “will not hesitate” to order further military action if needed.

“Today, at my direction, US military forces… successfully conducted strikes against a number of targets in Yemen used by Huthi rebels to endanger freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most vital waterways,” Biden said.

“These targeted strikes are a clear message that the United…