‘ENABLED BY IRAN’
“We also have every reason to believe that these attacks, while launched by the Houthis in Yemen, are fully enabled by Iran. The United States will consider all appropriate responses in full coordination with its international allies and partners,” it said.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks on the Unity Explorer and Number 9 in a statement on social media earlier in the day, saying the ships were Israeli and that attacks on the country’s vessels would continue “until the Israeli aggression against our steadfast brothers in the Gaza Strip stops”.
The Houthis’ arsenal includes ballistic missiles and armed drones capable of hitting Israel more than 1600km from their seat of power in Sanaa.
The Houthis declared they had joined the conflict on Oct. 31, announcing they had fired drones and missiles at Israel and vowing they would continue to mount attacks “until the Israeli aggression stops”.
Part of a regional alliance known as the “Axis of Resistance” backed by Iran, the Houthis have rallied behind the Palestinians since Hamas attacked Israel.
The Houthis’ slogan is “Death to America, Death to Israel, curse the Jews and victory to Islam”.
The Saudi-led coalition leading Yemen accuses Iran of arming, training and funding the Houthis. The group denies being an Iranian proxy and says it develops its own weapons.
Source: CNA
