Houthis issue statement on attacks: Zero impact

Speaking to the Houthi-affiliated "Al Masirah" television channel, Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi responded to claims by a Pentagon official that "a quarter of the Houthi arsenal was destroyed due to American-British attacks."

"OUR MILITARY CAPABILITIES ARE NOT AFFECTED"

Al-Houthi stated, "The American-British aggression will not affect our military capabilities, and this is nothing but an illusion and media propaganda."

Stating that they will continue their actions in the Red Sea with even more intensity, al-Houthi said, "Our operations will also include American and British ships. The attacks against us will not change anything regarding our position."

EMPHASIS ON PALESTINE

The Houthi leader noted the following:

"If the American believes that he has to come to our region from more than 9 thousand kilometers away, then why do we not have the right to stand by the Palestinian people, who are a part of us?"

The Wall Street Journal newspaper, citing an unnamed Pentagon official, had reported that "a quarter of the Houthis' military arsenal was destroyed in the attacks on Yemen."

The Houthis recently announced that the US and UK had carried out a series of airstrikes covering Yemen's Hodeidah, Dhamar, Saada, Taiz, and Al-Bayda provinces.

THE LATEST SITUATION IN THE RED SEA

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, citing a reaction to Israel's attacks in Gaza, and have also launched attacks on some with drones and missiles.

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

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

On December 18, the US announced the creation of a multinational "maritime task force" called "Operation Prosperity Guardian" with the participation of a group of countries, citing that global maritime trade security was in jeopardy.

On December 31, 3 Houthi speedboats attempting to seize a ship linked to Israel in the Red Sea were fired upon by US helicopters.

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

On January 11, the United Nations Security Council 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