Houthi leader says US and UK air strikes have no effect on Iran-backed group

Yemeni militants have attacked ships in the Red Sea with drones and missiles since November

Live updates: Follow the latest news on Israel-Gaza

Abdul-Malik Al Houthi, leader of Yemen’s Houthi rebels, said on Thursday that US and British air strikes had no effect on the group, which has carried out regular attacks against ships in the Red Sea.

The Iran-backed Houthis have since November launched hundreds of drones and missiles at commercial vessels, disrupting trade. About 12 per cent of global seaborne trade passes through the Red Sea.

Al Houthi said in his speech that “this week, eight ships have been targeted with 26 missiles and drones” and that the group carried out 153 attacks.

He also dismissed US air strikes on Houthi command and control positions in Yemen.

The US and UK have already suggested that their military strikes would have limited, if any, impact on the Houthis.

President Joe Biden in January publicly admitted that US strikes on Houthi sites would not deter the militant group from its actions but they were to keep on.

“Are [the strikes] stopping the Houthis? No. Are they going to continue? Yes,” Mr Biden said.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also in January said that strikes to “degrade and disrupt” Houthis’ capabilities may be successful, but suggested that it may be a reactionary measure to send a message.

“It’s clear that this type of behaviour can’t be met without a response,” he said.

“We need to send a strong signal that this breach of international law is wrong. People can’t act like this with impunity and that’s why together, with allies, we’ve decided to take this action.”

Al Houthi repeated claims the group attempted to damage or sink the US aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower. The Houthis said they hit the 100,000-tonne vessel, one of 11 “super carriers”, this month. The US has denied the claim.

The Houthis have sunk two civilian ships. The Rubymar was carrying fertiliser to Lebanon when it was attacked and the Tutor was carrying coal from Russia. The group claims to only target ships linked to Israel.

Several other vessels have been severely damaged in the Red Sea, including the now abandoned Ukrainian-owned Verbena. Four civilian sailors have been killed in the Houthi campaign.

Al Houthi referred to the attack on the Tutor in his speech.

He said the Houthis planted explosives on the stricken vessel after it was struck by a drone boat. Video of the incident showed large blasts on the ship.

The Houthis say they are acting in support of Hamas will not stop its campaign until Israel ends the Gaza war, which has killed more than 37,400 Palestinians.

Al Houthi also condemned what he called Israel’s “brutal, barbaric, criminal aggression against the Palestinian people”.