UK and US Defend Airstrikes on Houthi Targets in Yemen

Leaders describe strikes as 'limited, single action' in self-defense, while critics argue for congressional approval and Arab world views actions as siding with Israel in Gaza war.

• UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden have defended their joint airstrikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen, describing them as a 'limited, single action' in self-defense following Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
• Sunak stated that the UK 'will not hesitate to protect our security, our people and our interests where required', while Biden has reportedly delivered a 'private message' to Iran, which is suspected of supplying the Houthis with weapons.
• The strikes have been criticized by some members of Congress in the US, who argue that Biden violated the US Constitution by not seeking congressional approval first.
• The Houthi attacks have led major shipping companies to divert vessels away from the Red Sea, pushing up prices and imperiling the passage of goods, foods, and medicines that the British people and others rely on.
• The airstrikes have been viewed differently in the Arab world, where they are seen as the US and UK joining in the Gaza war on the side of Israel, since the Houthis have declared their actions to be in solidarity with Hamas and the people of Gaza.

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