Houthi official sends open war message to the US

Houthi (Ansar Allah movement) political bureau member Qahoum, in a statement to an AA reporter, said, "We say this to the Americans from Yemen: All your movements and attacks against Yemen will end in failure, and we will confront your attacks with all our might. You will see the power of Yemen and you will withdraw from the region humiliated. You will see Yemeni deterrence that will break your arrogance and shatter your so-called majesty."

"IT IS A GREAT HONOR TO FACE THE DEVIL DIRECTLY"

Pointing out that Yemen, with its state, people, and army, is preparing for a war with the US, Qahoum said:

"The Yemeni state, its leadership, its armed forces, and its people are on alert and preparing to enter into an open war with the US. For the sake of Palestine and all the causes of the Ummah, it is a great honor to face the Great Devil, represented by America, Britain, and Israel, directly."

Qahoum emphasized that the war with the US is a "promised conquest and jihad."

"US ATTACKS ARE INEFFECTIVE"

Arguing that the US attacks in Yemen are ineffective, Qahoum assessed, "The attacks by the US and Britain on Yemen have had no effect and will not have any. This is an attack and a crime that violates sovereignty and international laws."

Qahoum stated, "The targets hit by the US and Britain were in areas that had been bombed before, and this is nothing new. However, they have declared war on Yemen, and therefore they must endure the attacks that Yemen will carry out against them and Yemen's strategic deterrence."

Ali al-Qahoum said, "This is the terrorist US, and this is the crime it has committed. This is an open war and it is ongoing. They will regret their attacks and pay a heavy price. Yemen is great with its noble nation, its state, its leadership, its armed forces, its strong hand, and its military capabilities."

Qahoum noted that they will fight the US until they achieve victory, adding that their response to their enemies will be harsh and painful.

THE LATEST SITUATION IN THE RED SEA

In response to Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip, the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen began seizing commercial ships they claimed were linked to Israeli companies off the coast of Yemen on October 31, and have also carried out attacks on some with drones and missiles.

US forces have announced several times during this process that they have shot down missiles and kamikaze drones launched from Yemen.

Following the Houthis' actions, numerous shipping companies decided to suspend their voyages in the Red Sea.

On December 18, the US announced the formation of a multinational "maritime task force" called "Operation Prosperity Guardian" with the participation of a group of countries, citing the threat to global maritime trade security.

On December 31, three speedboats belonging to the Houthis, which were attempting to seize a ship linked to Israel in the Red Sea, were fired upon by US helicopters.

On January 10, the Houthis reported that a US-owned ship in the Red Sea was targeted with missiles and kamikaze drones on the grounds that it was supporting Israel.

On January 11, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted a resolution submitted by the US and Japan demanding an immediate end to the Houthis' attacks in the Red Sea. Approximately 12 percent of global trade is conducted through the Suez Canal, which offers the shortest route between Europe and Asia by connecting the Mediterranean to the Red Sea.

News Source: AA