Houthis-'All US & UK Interests Now Legitimate Targets'

An official statement from the Houthi rebels in Yemen states that following the joint US/UK airstrikes on 11 Jan, "All American-British interests are now legitimate targets in response to their direct and declared aggression." So far, Houthi aerial and seaborne attacks on shipping have largely been on container vessels. The Houthis have claimed that the attacks are on ships with links to Israel, and come in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. However, the strikes have also been targeted at ships with no Israeli links.

• The Houthi statement is notably vague, with no clarity of whether their response will see attacks on US/UK linked ships in the Red Sea, or on US or UK military targets in the region.
• Given the comprehensive links between the Houthis and Iran, any sizeable attacks carried out on US/UK military targets in the region by the Houthis will be seen as taking place with the approval or even assistance of Tehran. As such, this would risk a major escalation, potentially putting Iran and the US/UK on course for direct conflict.