Attack on Yemen

 

US Defense Minister Oversees Strikes on Yemen from Hospital

The United States Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, gave orders and monitored strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen from a hospital, utilizing a "full array of secure communication tools," according to a representative from the Department of Defense, as reported by CNN.

The spokesperson stated that Austin issued orders to the US Armed Forces to conduct strikes on Yemen and personally monitored them in real-time.

"After the strikes, he engaged with the National Security Council, the chairman, and the commander of the US Central Command for the initial assessment following the attack," the statement read.

A representative from the defense department mentioned that between Tuesday and Thursday evening, Austin spoke with President Joe Biden twice and had telephone conversations with military leadership. The official added that over the last 72 hours, Austin "actively participated in monitoring and managing today's strikes."

Details on Austin's Hospitalization

The head of the Pentagon was hospitalized on January 1 due to complications arising from a medical procedure, which became known on January 4. He is performing his duties from the hospital – the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. As of January 8, the Pentagon did not have a specific date for Austin's discharge.

On January 7, Lloyd Austin announced that he had recovered and was looking forward to returning to the Pentagon soon. Austin acknowledged that he could have better informed the public about his health issues and promised to rectify that.

It was later revealed that Austin is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, which was diagnosed in early December 2023.

US and UK Strikes on Houthi Targets in Yemen

In the night of January 12, 2023, the United States and the United Kingdom carried out strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. The motivations behind the attacks were the rebels' assaults on ships in the Red Sea, leading to economic downturns and threats to the lives of citizens in over 20 countries. The States and the Kingdom later officially confirmed their strikes.

US President Joe Biden stated that the strikes were supported by Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and Bahrain, and he added that further measures would be taken in case of threats.

According to Biden, the Houthis had launched 27 strikes on international commercial ships from over 50 countries, and crews from more than 20 countries were threatened or taken hostage during the attack.

The strikes targeted the capital Sanaa, including the al-Dulaimi airbase near the international airport. Other targets included a camp east of the city of Saada, areas around Hodeidah airport, Taiz International Airport, and the coastal area of Abs.

The Times had previously warned about the attack on Yemen, citing sources. Journalists reported an escalation in preparatory measures on Thursday, January 11, in response to the Houthi attack.