WH Spox Talks On Strikes As UKMTO Warns Of Incident In Gulf Of Aden

Speaking to MSNBC, White House National Security Council spox John Kirby, stating that the joint US/UK airstrikes on targets in Yemen on 11 Jan "Went right at the Houthi's ability to store, launch and guide its missiles or drones." Kirby: 'US assessing impacts of airstrikes on Iran-backed Houthis'. Kirby: "We're not looking for conflict with Iran'

• Kirby states that 'Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin was fully engaged, tracking all developments and decisions made regarding airstrikes.' There has been notable focus on the role and actions of Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin following the revelation that he was out of contact with the White House for several days around the turn of the year due to being hospitalised.
• Comes as the UK Maritime Trade Operations office warns of an 'incident' in the Gulf of Aden, 90NM southeast of the Yemeni city of the same name. The incident in the Gulf of Aden could prove to be the first major reaction from the Houthis against shipping in the region since the US and UK carried out the attacks.