UAE expresses concern over Red Sea air strikes

The UAE expresses its deep concern regarding the repercussions of the attacks on maritime navigation in Bab Al Mandab and the Red Sea. The attacks constitute an unacceptable threat to international trade, security of the region, and international interests.

In this regard, the UAE stresses the importance of protecting the security of the region, as well as the interests of its countries and peoples, within the framework of laws and international norms.

Earlier during the day, heavy US and British air strikes pounded targets in Yemen Friday after weeks of attacks on shipping in the Red Sea by Houthis forces acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

Witnesses confirmed explosions at military bases near airports in the capital Sanaa and Yemen's third city Taez, a naval base at Yemen's main Red Sea port Hodeidah and military sites in the coastal Hajjah governorate.

"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," US President Joe Biden said.

The Houthis said five of their fighters had been killed in a total of 73 air strikes. They vowed to retaliate and continue their attacks on shipping, which they say are intended to support Palestinians against Israel.

In a statement after the strikes, Saudi Arabia called for restraint and "avoiding escalation." It said it was monitoring the situation with "great concern.

Oman condemned American and British strikes on targets in Yemen, warning of the risk of escalating conflict in the region. Oman expressed its "worry" at the strikes on Houthi rebel military targets that, according to the Houthis, left five people dead. Kuwait's foreign ministry also expressed "great concern" about the strikes.

In Bahrain, protesters marched holding Palestinian flags and pro-Yemen banners after Friday prayers, denouncing the strikes.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on all sides "not to escalate" the volatile situation in the Red Sea, his spokesman said. "The Secretary General further calls on all parties involved not to escalate even more the situation in the interest of peace and stability in the Red Sea and the wider region," said Guterres' spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

Jordan said Israel's fight against Hamas in Gaza was responsible for soaring tensions, after US and British forces struck  Houthi rebels, adding to fears of regional war.

Egypt also expressed deep concern over the escalation of military operations in the Red Sea and the air strikes on areas inside Yemen, and called for efforts to reduce tension in the region, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

The Houthis have carried out a growing number of attacks on Israel-linked shipping in the key international trade route since the eruption of the war in Gaza.

Friday's strikes targeted an airbase, airports and a military camp, the Houthi's Al Masirah TV station said, with AFP correspondents and witnesses also reporting they could hear bombardments.

"Our country was subjected to a massive aggressive attack by American and British ships, submarines and warplanes," Houthi Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein Al Ezzi said, according to official rebel media. "America and Britain will have to prepare to pay a heavy price and bear all the dire consequences of this blatant aggression," he said.

Tens of thousands of Yemenis gathered in several cities on Friday to hear their leaders condemn US and British attacks. "We're waiting for the day when we're fighting a war with America," said Mohammed Hussein, another demonstrator.

"Your strikes on Yemen are terrorism," said Mohammed Ali, a member of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, referring to the US. "The United States is the Devil."

Italy, Spain and France stood out on Friday by not taking part in US and British strikes against the Houthi group in Yemen and not even signing up to a statement put out by 10 countries justifying the attack. The divergence highlighted divisions in the West over how to deal with the Houthis. A source in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office said Italy had declined to sign the statement, and as a result was not asked to participate in the attack against the Houthis.

Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles said Madrid had not joined the military action in the Red Sea because it wanted to promote peace in the region.