Houthis-Strikes Didn't Impact Capabilities, Now In 'Direct Conflict' w/US & UK

Leader of the Houthi movement, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi has released a statement regarding the escalating conflict between his forces and the US-led coalition in the Red Sea. Claims that the US and UK airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen did not damage the group's military capabilities. Says the Houthis are now in 'direct confrontation' with the US and the UK, "The direct entry of America and Britain into the battle does not frighten us, but on the contrary, it comforts us. It is a blessing and an honor for us that we are now in direct confrontation with them, whereas before they were fighting us with their tools and were not directly harmed."

• al-Houthi goes on to restate the widely-touted reason behind the attacks on Red Sea shipping, claiming that attacks will be maintained while Israel's assault on Hamas in Gaza, and the US' support for Israel, continues.
• As with the US and UK warnings of further 'consequences' for the Houthis in the event of sustained attacks, it remains to be seen what the implications of the Houthis being in 'direct conflict' with the US and UK entails. This could mean a continuation of the current attacks, or an increased focus on US/UK owned or operated ships, or even direct assaults on US/UK military targets in the region - a development that would significantly raise risks of escalation.