Summary:
More than 19 nations worldwide express condemnation and concern following the recent US-UK airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. Official statements from various nations underscore worries about sovereignty and alleged support for war crimes.
In a developing story marked by significant events, the United States and the United Kingdom have launched a series of airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, prompting responses from over 19 nations globally. The Houthis rebels, aligned with Iran and supporting the Palestinian group Hamas, criticize the attacks as “barbaric,” declaring all US and UK interests as “legitimate targets.”
Controlling significant parts of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, the rebels pledge to continue targeting Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea, leading to widespread disapproval from tens of thousands of Yemenis expressing solidarity with Palestinians.
The internationally recognized Saudi-backed government of Yemen places blame on the Houthis for dragging the nation into conflict, holding them responsible for attacks in the Red Sea.
Here are key reactions from around the world:
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia calls for restraint, emphasizing the importance of maintaining security in the Red Sea region.
“The kingdom emphasises the importance of maintaining the security and stability of the Red Sea region as the freedom of navigation in it is an international demand,” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Iran
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounces the attacks, stating, “The strikes aim to extend the full support of the US and UK for the war crimes of the Zionist regime against the Palestinian people and the besieged citizens of Gaza over the past approximately 100 days.”Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani emphasizes, “These attacks violate Yemen’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, constituting a breach of international laws.”
Turkey
President Erdogan condemns the strikes, accusing the US and UK of attempting to turn the Red Sea into a “sea of blood.”
“All of these acts are disproportionate use of force,” he statd, adding, “Israel also resorts to this disproportionate use of force in Palestine.”
NATO
NATO labels the strikes as defensive, aiming to preserve freedom of navigation, while urging Iran to rein in its proxies, the Houthi forces.
“These strikes were defensive and designed to preserve freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most vital waterways. The [Houthi] attacks must end,” a spokesperson for the military alliance stated.
“Houthi forces are supported, supplied and equipped by Iran, so Tehran has a special responsibility to rein in its proxies,” the spokesperson added.
United Nations
Describing the situation in the Red Sea as “current,” his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric expressed concerns about its volatility.
“The Secretary General additionally urges all parties not to further escalate the situation, emphasizing the importance of promoting peace and stability in the Red Sea and the broader region.”
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Jordan
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi remarked, “The ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza, characterized by the continuous commission of war crimes against the Palestinian people and blatant violations of international law, is contributing to the escalating tensions in the region.”
According to state media, Safadi emphasized the interconnectedness of regional stability and security.
He stated, “The international community finds itself at a crossroads, facing humanitarian, moral, legal, and security considerations. It must either assume its responsibilities by putting an end to Israel’s aggressive actions and safeguarding civilians, or risk allowing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his extremist ministers to lead us into a regional conflict with implications for world peace.”
Hezbollah, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad
Hezbollah accuses the US of being a full partner in tragedies in the region, while Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad condemn the attacks, holding the US and UK accountable for regional security.
Germany
Germany’s Federal Foreign Office asserted that the airstrikes were conducted with the intention of averting additional attacks.
The ministry, in a statement posted on X (Twitter), emphasized their primary objective as de-escalating tensions and reinstating stability in the Red Sea region.
Spain
Spain has affirmed its decision not to engage in military intervention in the Red Sea region, citing a dedication to peace, as expressed by Defence Minister Margarita Robles.
She stressed that any nation opting for military involvement will be held accountable for its actions. Robles clarified Madrid’s position, stating, “Spain refrains from passing judgment on the actions of other countries in the Red Sea. Every nation is required to provide justifications for its actions, and Spain remains unwavering in its commitment to peace and dialogue.”
Russia
Russia criticizes the strikes as a violation of international law, stating, “The US air strikes on Yemen are another example of the Anglo-Saxons’ perversion of UN Security Council resolutions,” said Maria Zakharova, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson. Zakharova adds that the strikes show a “complete disregard for international law” and are “escalating the situation in the region.”
France
France reiterated its disapproval of Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, urging an immediate cessation of such actions. The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs underscored that the responsibility for the escalation in the region lies significantly with the Houthi’s armed activities.
“With those armed actions, the Houthis bear the extremely serious responsibility of the escalation in the region,” the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
Belgium
Belgium collaborates with its European Union and United States partners to enhance security in the Red Sea area and prevent potential ramifications, as stated by Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib in a communication on X.
She emphasized, “The continuous assaults by the Houthis pose a genuine threat to the region’s stability and constitute an escalation that brings no advantages to any party.”
The Netherlands
The Netherlands supports the US-British action, emphasizing the right of self-defense and the importance of free passage.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte stated, “The joint US-British operation is grounded in the principle of self-defense, with a specific focus on safeguarding free passage and working towards de-escalation. The Netherlands, drawing on its extensive maritime history, places considerable significance on the right of free passage and lends support to this deliberate and targeted military action.”
Denmark
Denmark fully supports the US and British strikes, endorsing the defensive nature of the operations.
Iraq’s Harakat al-Nujaba
The paramilitary group warns that American interests and coalition countries will not be safe from now on.
Oman
Oman denounces the military action from “friendly countries,” warning of the dangerous situation it creates.
UAE
The United Arab Emirates expresses grave concern over the consequences of attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
In this rapidly evolving situation, the world watches with heightened concern as nations grapple with the aftermath of the US-UK airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.
Internal Criticism and Calls for Accountability:
In the United States and the United Kingdom, political figures express internal concerns and demand accountability regarding the recent military actions in Yemen.
US Senate Republican Leader McConnell:
Mitch McConnell welcomed the military operations led by the US coalition against Houthi terrorists, blaming them for disrupting international commerce in the Red Sea and attacking American vessels. He supported President Biden’s use of military force against these Iranian proxies, expressing hope for a significant shift in the administration’s approach to Iran.
“President Biden’s decision to use military force against these Iranian proxies is overdue. I am hopeful these operations mark an enduring shift in the Biden administration’s approach to Iran and its proxies,” he said.
Democratic Representatives on Congressional Approval:
Ro Khanna’s Call for Congressional Approval:
Ro Khanna emphasized the imperative for President Biden to obtain Congressional approval before launching strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. Regardless of the party in the White House, he pledged to advocate for adherence to Article I of the Constitution.
“That is Article I of the Constitution. I will stand up for that regardless of whether a Democrat or Republican is in the White House.”
Val Hoyle’s Assertion on Lack of Authorization
Val Hoyle highlighted the absence of Congressional authorization for the airstrikes, emphasizing the constitutional mandate that grants Congress sole authority over approving military involvement in overseas conflicts.
“The Constitution is clear – Congress has the sole authority to authorize military involvement in overseas conflicts. Every president must first come to Congress and ask for military authorisation, regardless of party.”
British MPs’ Critique:
Jeremy Corbyn’s Opposition to Escalation:
Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn criticized the military action as a reckless escalation, foreseeing increased casualties. He expressed disappointment over the lack of consultation with Parliament and called for a reconsideration of the approach.
“It is utterly disgraceful that Parliament has not even been consulted. When will we learn from our mistakes and realise that war is not the answer?” Corbyn wrote on X.
Diane Abbott’s Concerns and Lack of Parliamentary Approval:
Independent MP Diane Abbott raised concerns about deploying jet fighters in support of the US against the Houthis. She questioned the absence of parliamentary approval, expressing uncertainty about the consequences amid the ongoing push for a Gaza ceasefire.
“No parliamentary approval and no idea where it will all end,” Abbott said on X.
Understanding Issues Surrounding the US-UK Strikes on the Houthis:
1. What prompted the US and UK to launch strikes on Houthis targets in Yemen?
- The airstrikes were a response to Houthis aggression, particularly their targeting of international shipping in the Red Sea.
2. How are regional nations reacting to the situation?
- Regional reactions vary, with some nations condemning the strikes, expressing concern, or emphasizing the importance of de-escalation.
3. What role does international law play in assessing the legitimacy of these airstrikes?
- Critics argue that the strikes violate international law, citing concerns about sovereignty and territorial integrity, while proponents maintain they are defensive actions to preserve freedom of navigation.