Read Biden’s full statement on the strikes in Yemen

Here is President Biden’s full statement on the attacks on the Houthi militia in Yemen by the United States and allies, as released by the White House on Thursday:

Today, at my direction, US forces – together with the United Kingdom and with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands – successfully launched attacks on a number of targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels to threaten freedom of navigation to one of the most vital waterways in the world.

These attacks are in direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks on international maritime vessels in the Red Sea – including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time in history. These attacks have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian sailors, and our partners, endangered commerce, and threatened the freedom of navigation. More than 50 countries have been affected by 27 attacks on international commercial shipping. Crews from more than twenty countries have been threatened or taken hostage in piracy. More than 2,000 ships have been forced to reroute thousands of kilometers to avoid the Red Sea – potentially leading to weeks of delays in product shipping times. And on January 9, Houthis launched their largest attack yet – directly targeting US ships.

The international community’s response to these reckless attacks has been united and determined. Last month, the United States launched Operation Prosperity Guardian – a coalition of more than two dozen countries committed to defending international shipping and deterring Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. We also joined more than forty countries in condemning the Houthi threats. Last week, we joined thirteen allies and partners in issuing an unequivocal warning that the Houthi rebels would face the consequences if their attacks did not stop. And yesterday, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution demanding that the Houthis end attacks on merchant and commercial ships.

Today’s defensive action follows this extensive diplomatic campaign and the Houthi rebels’ escalating attacks on commercial ships. These targeted attacks send a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to compromise freedom of navigation on one of the world’s most critical commercial routes. I will not hesitate to take further action if necessary to protect our people and the free flow of international trade.