In a significant development, a coalition led by the United States conducted airstrikes targeting Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. The operation, supported by UK, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, involved over 100 precision-guided missiles, including Tomahawk cruise missiles.
The strikes aimed to respond to what the coalition labeled as "continued illegal, dangerous, and destabilizing Houthi attacks" on vessels in the Red Sea, including commercial shipping. The U.S. President, Joe Biden, emphasized that these actions send a clear message against attacks on personnel and threats to freedom of navigation in crucial global trade routes.
The immediate trigger for the airstrikes was cited as the "largest Houthi attacks in the Red Sea to date" earlier in the week. Nearly 20 drones and multiple missiles were launched against U.S. ships on January 9, but the attack was successfully thwarted by U.S. and UK naval forces under Operation Prosperity Guardian.
While this move addresses regional tensions, it also adds complexity to an already delicate situation in West Asia, particularly considering the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The situation has raised concerns about potential escalation and involvement of other countries in the region. Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon have already exchanged missiles with Israeli forces, fueling fears of an intensifying conflict.
The strikes faced criticism from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who described them as disproportionate and expressed concern about the impact on the Red Sea. Domestically, the Biden administration has encountered criticism from Democratic lawmakers, with concerns raised about the constitutional requirement for congressional authorization before military actions. Representative Pramila Jayapal deemed the strikes as an "unacceptable violation of the Constitution," emphasizing the need for congressional approval, as outlined in Article 1.
(With Agency Inputs)
Read also| Trips to Xinjiang Condemned by Experts as 'Genocide Tourism'
