Anti-War Movement Takes to the Streets
The Act Now to Stop War & End Racism (ANSWER) Coalition, a left-wing anti-war movement, organized a rally in response to joint strikes by the US and Britain in Yemen. The demonstration, held in Washington DC, aimed to oppose the US War on Terror and support Yemen’s sovereignty.
Targeting Iran-backed Houthis
The strikes targeted military locations belonging to the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. President Biden authorized the strikes in response to Houthi attacks on international maritime vessels. These attacks included the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time in history.
Protestors Speak Out
The ANSWER Coalition denounced the strikes as an act of aggression intended to support Israel’s assault on Gaza. They argued that Yemen is being punished for refusing to allow its waters to be used in the genocide against Palestinians. The coalition warned that these actions could lead to a devastating regional war.
Biden Stands by Strikes
President Biden defended the strikes, stating that they send a clear message that the US and its partners will not tolerate attacks on their personnel or threats to freedom of navigation. Biden emphasized the importance of protecting people and international commerce.
Criticism from Democrats
Several members of Biden’s own party criticized his decision to take military action without congressional authorization. Representatives Ro Khanna, Rashida Tlaib, Cori Bush, and Val Hoyle expressed their disapproval and stressed the need for the president to consult Congress before involving the US in another Middle East conflict.
Houthi Attacks on Commercial Vessels
In recent weeks, Houthi militants have increased their attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. This has prompted various shipping lines to suspend operations and take longer routes around Africa to avoid the dangerous waters.
Warning to the Houthis
Fourteen countries, including the US, issued a joint statement warning the Houthis that they would be held responsible for any consequences resulting from their continued threats to lives, the global economy, or the free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways.
Fox News Digital’s Bradford Betz and Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.