US not 'too weak' addressing Yemeni operations in Red Sea: Pentagon
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Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder says there is an active collaboration with so-called international partners to address the issue.
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Yemeni anti-ship missiles shown during the Military Parade 'The Promise of the Hereafter', September 2022 (Yemeni Defense Ministry)
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder claimed on Tuesday that the US has not exhibited weakness in responding to Yemeni warnings.
During a press briefing, Ryder emphasized what he described as the active collaboration with so-called US international partners to address ongoing Yemeni operations in the Red Sea.
"The US has not being too weak. We are working very actively with international partners to address the Houthi threat," Ryder said.
In November, the Ansar Allah movement in Yemen announced its intention to attack any ships associated with "Israel," urging other countries to recall their crews from the vessels. The resistance vowed to continue their attacks until "Israel" ceases its genocidal campaign on the people of Gaza.
On December 18, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced the establishment of a multinational operation to secure the Red Sea, saying that the UK, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the Seychelles, and Spain would take part in the mission. The Ansar Allah movement warned to attack any ships that join the US-led maritime coalition.
Commercial vessels have been attacked 25 times since November, US military officials said last week.
Concerns Over Defense Secretary Austin's Health
In response to growing concerns over US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's health, Ryder affirmed on Tuesday that no indications are suggesting that Austin's decision-making abilities have been affected.
"I have no indications, anything, that would affect his decision-making abilities," Ryder said.
For several days, both Congress members and leaders within the Pentagon were unaware that Austin had been hospitalized since Monday, the Associated Press reported citing US officials. This lack of knowledge prompted queries about the Pentagon chief's condition and the confidentiality surrounding it.
According to a statement from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center officials, released by the Pentagon, Austin underwent a minimally invasive surgical procedure last month to address prostate cancer. The prognosis for his recovery is deemed excellent.
The medical center officials mentioned that Austin's hospitalization in early January was a result of complications following the cancer-related surgery conducted the previous month.
While Austin's infection has now cleared, officials acknowledge that he continues to make progress toward a full recovery. However, the recovery process may be gradual.
Read more: Biden not considering firing Austin for illness concealment: WH
