The leader of the Houthi movement, Abdul Malek al-Houthi, said in a televised address that it was a great honor to face the United States directly, promising to continue the campaign of targeting Israeli ships sailing in the Red Sea.
“It is a great honor and a blessing to face America directly,” al-Houthi said in his defiant, hour-long speech that drew heavily on religious rhetoric.
He claimed that the US and British strikes on Yemen only strengthened his military and proved that the Houthis’ strategy of targeting Israeli ships or those coming to or from Israel was working.
The actions of the Hutus certainly had the effect of disrupting transport and maritime trade in the region.
Major ocean carriers suspended all shipping via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, opting instead to sail around the African continent, creating significant delays and supply bottlenecks. It cost the company billions of dollars.
The Houthi leader vowed to continue attacks until Israel lifts the blockade of Gaza, saying “nothing, not even all threats, missiles, pressure, will change our position.”
The comments came as the US ramps up attacks on Yemeni rebel targets. US President Joe Biden told reporters that so far the military action has not had the desired effect, reports CNBC.
The US launched its fifth airstrike on Houthi targets in Yemen late Thursday night, with US jets targeting anti-ship missiles that US Central Command said were “aimed at the southern Red Sea and ready to launch”.
