Tens of thousands of Yemenis gathered in various cities on Friday as their leaders criticized the recent U.S. and British attacks on their nation in response to Houthi militants targeting Red Sea shipping.
The U.S. and Britain conducted numerous airstrikes on Houthi military sites overnight, escalating a regional conflict set in motion by Israel’s actions in Gaza.
In response to the attacks, Mohammed Ali Al-Houthi, a member of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, declared, “Your strikes on Yemen are terrorism.
The United States is the Devil.”
Following Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, which prompted Israel’s response, the Houthis, aligned with Iran, initiated assaults on shipping routes and launched drones and missiles toward Israel.
They vowed to continue until Israel’s offensive ceased.
Controlling a significant portion of Yemen, the Houthis announced their intention to target all ships bound for Israel, over 1,000 miles away.
They also cautioned international shipping companies against utilizing Israeli ports.
Belonging to the Iran-aligned “Axis of Resistance,” along with other groups, the Houthis have targeted U.S. and Israeli interests, holding the U.S., Israel’s close ally, partially responsible for the crisis and Israel’s extensive retaliation.
Al-Houthi emphasized, “We did not attack the shores of America, nor did we move in the American islands, nor did we attack them.
Your strikes on our country are terrorism.”
Proclaiming the U.S. as terrorists skilled in deceiving the global populace, he questioned the perception of Yemenis, asking, “Do you, Yemeni, think that America is defending itself or is it a terrorist?”
The Iraqi militia group Harakat al-Nujaba, aligned with Iran, issued a warning that American interests and U.S. allies would no longer be safe.
In Sanaa, protesters vehemently expressed their discontent by stomping on Israeli and American flags.
Since Oct. 17, U.S. and allied forces have faced over 130 attacks in Iraq and Syria, as reported by Washington.
However, Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder stated that there are no plans to deploy additional forces to the region.
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