Houthis say they attacked U.S. warship, but American official rejects their claim
PBS NewsHourJAN 2024
Houthis Threaten More Attacks Against Western Warships
Image copyright: Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images News via Getty Images
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.