Yemen's Houthis claimed that five of their fighters were killed in 73 allied strikes against the group, with six wounded, their spokesperson claimed on Friday morning.The statement came in response to a series of strikes by the US and Britain on Yemen.Muhammad Abdel Salam, senior spokesman for Yemen's Houthis, also vowed to continue to attack Israeli ships and ships "on their way to Israel" in a statement early Friday, garnering unwavering support from Iran.
The Houthi spokesman called the strikes "barbaric." Iran followed suit.
Widespread condemnation from Yemeni, Iranian allies
Iran, an ally and financier of the Houthis, is accused of supporting their attacks. "These attacks are a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen, and a violation of international law. These attacks will only add to the insecurity and instability in the region," said a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran.
Hezbollah also responded in a statement ultimately blaming Israel for the attacks. "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."
Hamas also condemned what they referred to as "blatant American-British aggression against Yemen," vowing accountability and to "hold them responsible for the consequences for the security of the region." The terror organization added, "Washington and London must check their colonial policies by respecting the sovereignty of Arab countries, which did not sit idly by in the face of Zionist crimes."
Iraq's prime minister, Fadi Al-Shammari, warned of an escalation in increasing Middle East tension following the strikes on Yemen against Houthi targets, he told state media.
British Armed Forces minister James Heappey told Times Radio on Friday that the strikes were in self-defense.