Countries React To US, UK strikes On Houthi Sites In Yemen “Complete Disregard For International law,” Says Russia

After the US-UK launched the attack against the Houthis sites in Yemen in response to the attacks on ships in the Red Sea, the international community is worried about the potential escalation of tension in the region, with many slamming the US action saying that it will lead to wider conflict. Many countries including Russia, Iran, Syria and Turkey among others came down heavily on the US over its attack on the Houthi sites.

Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, while reacting to the US strike, called the attack as “another example of the Anglo-Saxons’ perversion of UN Security Council resolutions.” According to the spokesperson, the US strike on the Houthi sites in Yemen violated international law and “wrongly” took advantage of a United Nations Security Council resolution that had demanded the Houthis stop their attacks on shipping lanes. The strikes were a complete disregard for international law and were escalating the situation in the region.

Commenting on the air strikes, the Iranian foreign ministry in a statement said: “The attacks are happening in an effort to extend the full support of the US and UK in approximately the past 100 days for the war crimes of the Zionist regime against the Palestinian people and the besieged citizens of Gaza.”

Noting that the attack constitutes a violation of the sovereignty of Yemen, the Iran foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said: “These attacks are a clear violation of Yemen’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and a breach of international laws.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the US and UK for “trying to turn the Red Sea into a sea of blood.” All of these acts, he said, are disproportionate use of force. “Israel also resorts to this disproportionate use of force in Palestine,” he added.

According to the neighbouring country Oman, the attack was carried out against the country’s advice and it will only add fuel to the already dangerous situation. Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said that the country denounced the US and UK military action from “friendly countries,” Al Jazeera reported quoting state media.

Calling for restraint and urging to avoid escalation, Saudi foreign ministry said: “The kingdom emphasizes the importance of maintaining the security and stability of the Red Sea region, as the freedom of navigation in it is an international demand.”

Reacting to the situation, China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said “China is concerned about the escalation of tensions in the Red Sea. We urge the relevant parties to keep calm and exercise restraint, to prevent the conflict from expanding.”

However, some of the countries from Europe including Denmark, Netherlands and Germany supported the US attack citing the acts as self-defence. The Houthis have been attacking vessels that are heading to Israel in the Red Sea, as its support for the Palestinians who have been subjected to Israel’s offensive since October 7, killing more than 23ooo people. The Yemen group, after the US attack, has however, asserted that it will continue to attack ships heading to Israel.