The US taking military action in the Middle East,
launching strikes with the UK in support from several allies
against Iran backed rebels and retaliation for the repeated attacks
on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
Our chief White House correspondent Mary Bruce has the latest
for us.
Good morning, Mary. Good morning,
Michael. Well for months the Biden administration has tried to
avoid expanding this conflict.
But after the Houthis relentless attacks and refusal to heed
repeated warnings overnight the US and our allies fighting back
with massive strikes.
This morning, the hoochies are vowing revenge.
Overnight, a stunning barrage by US and British forces.
A wave of Tomahawk cruise launched from AUS submarine and
Navy ships backed by fighter jets.
The target? The Iran backed Houthi rebels in Yemen that
have been attacking commercial ships in the critical Red Sea
for months now.
The Pentagon, confirming the strikes backed by four US allies,
hit over 60 targets and 16 locations,
destroying weapons, radar and surveillance systems and unmanned vehicles.
Clearly in the intent here is for the US and
the UK to take out any military capability that the
Houthis might have to continue to harass shipping in the
Red Sea. President Biden saying in a statement that after
weeks of global warnings to the Hootie's,
these targeted strikes are a clear message that the United
States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our
personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation.
Biden adding he will not hesitate to direct further measures
to protect our people.
The Hoogies have launched at least 27 attacks,
claiming they're retaliating for Israel's war with Hamas.
It's causing a costly disruption to shipping in the Red
Sea.
A vital route for billions of dollars in trade.
Estimated 15% of world commerce passes through the Red Sea.
Major shipping companies now forced to sail around Africa to
avoid the violence.
We're going to do what we have to do to
to to counter and defeat these threats that the Houthis
keep throwing up on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
The US-led retaliation coming just days after the largest Houthi
assault yet for the first time targeting American ships with
drones and missiles.
And the rebel group still holds over two dozen hostages.
Taken after they brazenly hijacked this cargo ship in November.
And now this morning, Houthi leaders are warning the US
should prepare to pay a heavy price.
Now, administration officials tell us they wouldn't be surprised to
see a response from the Hootie's,
but they say they fully expect that these strikes will
degrade and diminish their capabilities with something to watch in
the days to come.
Mary, thank you.