US, UK hit 36 targets in Yemen; Houthis say will strike back hard

Washington/Aden, February 4

The United States and Britain launched strikes against 36 Houthi targets in Yemen, in the second day of major US operations against Iran-linked groups following a deadly attack on American troops last weekend.

Republicans propose $17.6 bn military aid for Israel

Washington: House Republicans will move forward with a $17.6 billion package next week that provides military aid to Israel, but leaves out more help for Ukraine. The move gives Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans the chance to show support for Israel even though there is little chance the Senate will go along. Meanwhile, text of a broader Senate compromise is expected to be released this weekend and a key test vote on that package will be held during the week.

The strikes late on Saturday hit buried weapons storage facilities, missile systems, launchers and other capabilities the Houthis have used to attack Red Sea shipping, the Pentagon said, adding it targeted 13 locations across the country.

Iran: violation of international law

Iran’s foreign ministry has said the latest attacks on Yemen were “a flagrant violation of international law by the US and Britain”, warning the continuation of such attacks was a “worrying threat to international peace”

They are the latest blows in a conflict that has spread into the Middle East since October 7, when the Palestinian militant group Hamas stormed Israel from the Gaza Strip, igniting a war that has drawn Tehran-backed groups into attacks on US and Israeli targets on several fronts.

The Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said the strikes “will not pass without a response and consequences.” The Houthis did not announce any casualties.

On Friday, the US carried out the first wave of that retaliation, striking in Iraq and Syria more than 85 targets linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and militias it backs, reportedly killing nearly 40. The Houthis say their attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians as Israel strikes Gaza. “These attacks will not deter us from our ethical, religious and humanitarian stance in support of the resilient Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip,” Sarea said. — Reuters