Houthis say they attacked U.S. warship, but American official rejects their claim
PBS NewsHourJan 26
Houthis Threaten More Attacks Against Western Warships
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The Facts
Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Wednesday vowed to target all US and British warships operating in waters near Yemen "within the right of legitimate self-defence" of their country.
The warning has come after the two countries, part of a naval coalition established last December to patrol the Red Sea following escalated Houthi attacks on commercial shipping, continue to strike Houthi sites in Yemen.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Houthis have legitimately carried out attacks against Israeli-owned ships and merchant vessels heading to Israel-occupied Palestine in open support for people in Gaza suffering under Tel Aviv's brutal campaign. Yet, the US and UK claim that their forces are entitled to violate international law and strike Yemen as if their aggression would be enough to undermine the moral fiber of the Houthis.
Pro-establishment narrative
It's not the Houthis but the US and UK that have been acting in self-defense in the Red Sea. While the UN Security Council Resolution 2722 doesn't authorize the use of force against the Iran-backed militants, the Houthis forced the countries to take action only after their missiles directly attacked American and British warships and aircraft.