Britain and the US were last night poised to launch strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen, as the leader of the rebel group promise d to respond to any assault with fresh attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Western defence sources indicated preparations were intensifying last night in response to a Houthi attack of 21 missiles and drones aimed at US and UK warships on Tuesday night, though its scale and timing remain secret.
Asked about potential US strikes against the Houthis in Yemen, the national security spokesperson, John Kirby, said: "I'm not going to telegraph our punches one way or another here. We're gonna do what we have to do, to counter and defeat these threats that the Houthis keep throwing up on commercial shipping in the Red Sea." On Wednesday, Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, said "there will be consequences" following the Houthi attack - while the British defence secretary, Grant Shapps, told journalists to "watch this space".
Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, leader of the Iran-backed group, which controls the north and west of Yemen, said yesterday that if struck, Houthis would fight back, suggesting any conflict would be extended.
"Any American attack will not remain without a response. The response will be greater than the attack that was carried out with twenty drones and a number of missiles," Houthi said in a TV address.
Denne historien er fra January 12, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 12, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Bentancur to get long ban over alleged racist remark
Tottenham are resigned to Rodrigo Bentancur being given a lengthy ban of at least six matches by the Football Association for making an allegedly racist remark about Son Heung-min.
Kane faces Carsley axe Shock as captain set to be left out for crunch Greece match
Harry Kane is set to be a shock omission from Lee Carsley's England team for tonight's must-win Nations League match against Greece in Athens.
Infantino to avoid scrutiny with virtual 2026 draw
Gianni Infantino will avoid any scrutiny of the controversial decision to give the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia next month after Fifa opted to stage the qualifying draw for the 2026 tournament as a virtual event.
Gordon heeds England's call as no-shows hinder Carsley
While a depleted side face tricky tests against Greece and Ireland, there will be big opportunities for some
Lawrence caps quick Chelsea comeback after Agnew's early strike
Chelsea's aspiration of claiming this season's Women's Champions League was hardly in danger as Murphy Agnew handed Celtic a shock lead.
Paul's big-money fight is a circus but the YouTuber is no clown
Despite the absurd persona, his business savvy and support of female fighters must be acknowledged
Tyson offers reminder of boxing's glory days before weary return
Former Baddest Man on the Planet is reflective but determined in open workout as he gears up for inglorious fight with YouTuber, reports
Lineker leaves second BBC presenting role
Gary Lineker has stepped down from his role as presenter of Sports Personality of the Year (Spoty), the BBC has confirmed.
Coe pulls no punches with his IOC pitch
Sebastian Coe has promised to introduce an \"uncompromising and clearcut\" policy to protect women's sport and to look into awarding prize money to all Olympic medallists if he is elected International Olympic Committee (IOC) president.
Slade vows 'not to shut up shop' against Springboks
England are looking to banish their autumn frustrations at South Africa's expense this Saturday and have vowed \"not to shut up shop\" against the reigning world champions.
