Mideast War Near As Iran-Backed Groups Vow To Attack US, Allies
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
TEHRAN/JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – The Middle East was rapidly moving towards a broader armed conflict Friday as Iran-backed groups pledged revenge for massive overnight U.S.-led military strikes in Yemen.
The strikes by air and sea targeted 16 Houthi positions, including command centers, munitions depots, and air defense systems, the U.S. said.
It was not immediately clear how many people were killed or injured.
The Houthis vowed to continue attacks on ships in the Red Sea, including those of the U.S. and partners, and to support Hamas in Gaza.
U.S. President Biden said the action, backed by Britain, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, and Bahrain, was to ensure the free flow of international commerce through one of the world’s key waterways.
As 12 percent of annual global trade passes through the Red Sea, the potential disruption for global supply chains could be enormous, experts say.
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Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stressed that the strikes were “limited, necessary and proportionate action in self-defense.”
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer backed the action. But some other opposition legislators said Britain’s parliament should be recalled to debate it.
Similar tensions emerged in the Netherlands, where caretaking Prime Minister Mark Rutte was asked why legislators weren’t informed about the pending operation.
Rutte said, however, that Dutch involvement was limited to a staff officer helping to coordinate the U.S.-led operation. “The Dutchman has been added to the American
coordination center. I cannot provide any further information about the precise work,” added Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren.
“We have provided political support to the Americans and the British. They also requested a staff officer, and we provided him,” she said.
Iran, Russia, and Turkey condemned the military action, which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğa called “disproportionate.”
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