US sends ‘message’ to Iran on Houthis
The US launched fresh strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen as President Joe Biden said he had delivered a “private message” to Iran about its links to the group.
The strikes came a day after US and British forces hit scores of targets in Yemen, heightening fears that Israel’s war with Palestinian Hamas militants could engulf the region.
The Houthis, who say they are acting in solidarity with Gaza, have carried out missile and drone attacks on what they deem Israelilinked shipping on the key Red Sea trade route.
Iran is suspected of supplying the Houthis with weapons and intelligence, but Tehran denies involvement. Nevertheless, Mr Biden said his government had given Iran a message.
“We delivered it privately and we’re confident we’re wellprepared,” he said.
US Central Command said its forces attacked a Houthi radar site early on Saturday as “a follow-on action” related to the previous day’s strikes.
A Houthi-allied military source said a site on the outskirts of the Red Sea port city of Hodeida which the rebels used to launch a rocket was hit.
The Houthis’ official media earlier said Al-Dailami airbase in Yemen’s rebel-held capital Sanaa had been struck in the latest bombardment.
Rebel forces in north Sanaa had shut the area around the airbase and only residents with permits from neighbourhood chiefs were allowed to enter.
UN special envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg urged “all involved” to avoid actions that would endanger maritime trade and “fuel regional tensions at this critical time”.
Mr Grundberg noted “with serious concern” the impact of the “increasingly precarious regional context” on Yemen and called for diplomacy to be prioritised.
Britain, the United States and eight allies - including Australia - said strikes on Friday aimed to “de-escalate tensions”, but the Huthis vowed to continue their attacks.