An RAF Typhoon aircraft returns to Akrotiri airbase in Cyprus after striking military targets in Yemen. Reuters
MOSCOW: The United States and Britain launched a series of strikes on Yemen on Thursday aimed at the Iran-backed Houthi militia that started targeting international shipping in the Red Sea late last year.
Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said: "The US air strikes on Yemen are another example of the Anglo-Saxons' perversion of UN Security Council resolutions." Zakharova said the strikes showed a "complete disregard for international law" and were "escalating the situation in the region". Russia also called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Friday to discuss the issue.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kannani said: "These attacks are a clear violation of Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a breach of international laws. These attacks will only contribute to insecurity and instability in the region.”
Iran-backed Hezbollah group remarked in a statement:"The American aggression confirms once again that the US is a full partner in the tragedies and massacres committed by the Zionist enemy in Gaza and the region."
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said, "The US-British action is based on the right of self-defence, aims to protect free passage and is focused on de-escalation. The Netherlands, with its long history as a sea-faring country, places significant importance on the right of free passage and supports this targeted operation."
US Representative Ro Khanna, Democrat, California, asserted: "The President needs to come to Congress before launching a strike against the Houthis in Yemen and involving us in another Middle East conflict. 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."
Reuters