Ankara, Turkey: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has launched harsh criticism at the United States and Britain, accusing them of turning the Red Sea into a “battlefield” with their recent airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen. This escalation comes amidst ongoing tensions in the region, fueled by the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and Houthi threats against maritime traffic.
Erdogan, known for his outspoken foreign policy, declared, “They unleash force disproportionately, seeking to stain the Red Sea with bloodshed. This mirrors Israel’s actions in Palestine.” He further noted reports suggesting effective counter-attacks by the Houthis.
The US and UK airstrikes targeted Houthi positions in Sanaa and four other Yemeni provinces, utilizing aircraft, warships, and submarines. President Joe Biden justified the action as retaliation for “unprecedented Houthi attacks” on Red Sea shipping. He claimed the strikes, aimed at Houthi military infrastructure, were self-defense measures.
The Houthis, however, paint a different picture. Their spokesperson, Yahya Saria, reported 73 strikes so far, resulting in five Houthi casualties and six injuries. He condemned the assault as “aggression” and vowed further retaliation.
These escalating tensions stem from the recent conflict in Gaza. The Houthis, aligning with Palestinian cause, threatened Israeli targets and Red Sea shipping associated with Israel until the Gaza conflict ceased. This, coupled with over 20 Houthi attacks on commercial vessels since mid-November, as per CENTCOM estimates, ignited the current inferno.