JAN 12: US and UK forces have carried out air strikes against Houthi rebel targets in Yemen.
President Biden says the strikes are in response to attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis on ships in the Red Sea since November.
Houthi deputy foreign minister warns US and UK will “pay a heavy price” for this “blatant aggression”.
Royal Air Force warplanes helped carry out the “targeted strikes” against military facilities, says UK PM. PM Rishi Sunak adds that the strikes are “limited, necessary and proportionate action in self-defence”.
The Netherlands, Australia, Canada and Bahrain provided support as part of the mission, says Biden.
Strikes are reported in the capital Sanaa, the Houthi Red Sea port of Hudaydah, Dhamar and north-western Houthi stronghold of Saada.
The Houthis control much of Yemen and say they are supporting ally Hamas by targeting shipping headed to Israel.
BBC
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