Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) said it was “very important” that President Biden took action against the Houthis following recent attacks on Yemeni militants.
“We can't continually play defense and we have to let them know we can't continue to do this,” Turner said on CNN on Thursday. “So it's very important that the president took steps to attack the Houthis in Yemen and start reducing their overall capabilities, but they will pay the price of trying to reduce their commercial transport capabilities. You need to know that.''
The Houthis have recently faced attacks from the United States since last week in retaliation for Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. They have been attacking U.S.-owned ships and cargo ships, including U.S. Navy ships, in recent weeks.
“Today's defensive action comes in the wake of this massive diplomatic campaign and the escalation of attacks by Houthi rebels against commercial vessels,” Biden said last Thursday. “These targeted attacks demonstrate that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on American personnel or allow adversaries to jeopardize freedom of navigation in one of the world's most important commercial shipping lanes. It's a clear message.”
“I will not hesitate to direct further action as necessary to protect our people and the freedom of international commerce,” Biden said.
The Houthis have said they will continue fighting as long as Israeli soldiers are fighting in Gaza in their war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi said Thursday: “The Americans want the seas to be safe for the aid and resources provided to their enemy Israel, while starving the Palestinian people.” said.
“We warn of fatigue against the oppression of the Palestinian people. The longer the siege and famine last, the greater our liability to the state.”
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