Biden Says US Strikes on Yemens Houthis to Continue Despite Limited Success

President Joe Biden announced the continuation of US military strikes against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen despite their limited effectiveness in stopping attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. The strikes, launched from the Red Sea, targeted 14 missiles deemed an imminent threat. Bidens statement came during an exchange with reporters before departing for a domestic policy speech in North Carolina.

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President Joe Biden announced on Thursday that the United States military strikes against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen will persist. However, he acknowledged that the American and British bombardments have not yet succeeded in halting the militants' shipping attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.

Ongoing Strikes and Limited Success

During an exchange with reporters before departing the White House for a domestic policy speech in North Carolina, Biden addressed the effectiveness of the strikes. He acknowledged that while the strikes are ongoing, they have not yet completely stopped the Houthis' activities. "When you say working, are they stopping the Houthis, no. Are they going to continue, yes," Biden stated.

Recent Military Actions

On Wednesday, the US military launched another wave of ship- and submarine-launched missile strikes against Houthi-controlled sites. This marked the fourth time in recent days that the US has directly targeted the group in Yemen. The strikes were launched from the Red Sea and hit 14 missiles that the command deemed an "imminent threat."

Designation as Global Terrorists

In addition to the military strikes, the US has taken further action by placing the Houthis back on its list of specially designated global terrorists. This formal designation comes with sanctions aimed at cutting off violent extremist groups from their sources of financing.

Continued Houthi Activity

Despite the sanctions and military strikes, including a large-scale operation involving US and British warships and warplanes that hit over 60 targets across Yemen, the Houthis continue to harass commercial and military ships. The US has issued strong warnings to Iran to cease providing weapons to the Houthis.

Ongoing Commitment

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby reiterated the US commitment to continuing the strikes as long as necessary. He emphasized that the US will not disclose its specific plans, stating, "I'm not going to telegraph punches one way or another."