Safar al-Sufi, the director of the office of the leader of Yemen's Ansar Allah, affirmed that the United States, by attacking the Yemeni armed forces at sea, has essentially provoked a response against itself. He emphasized that Washington will not escape the consequences of its actions.

Al-Sufi pointed out that this attack exposed the criminal nature of the American administration, violating international navigation laws. Additionally, he highlighted that the US attack on Yemeni naval forces poses a threat to the security of international navigation.

During his speech at the extended gathering of media, cultural, and awareness institutions in Sanaa, al-Sufi discussed the persistent Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip, now on its 88th day.

He pointed out that the loss of lives among women and children in Gaza exposed the hypocrisy of Western countries, who often advocate for women's rights and human rights in their rhetoric.

Al-Sufi also highlighted the significant role played by the late Commander of the Quds Force in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, martyr Qassem Soleimani, in advancing military capabilities within the axis of resistance.

US-led coalition in Red Sea are 'enemy targets'

On Monday, a statement released by the Yemeni Parliament in Sanaa pointed to American and British militaries, as well as states that have allied themselves with the two Western powers, saying that their presence in Yemeni territories equates to an act of occupation.

The legislative body stressed the need to deal with occupation forces on the basis that they are "enemy targets", emphasizing that "American mobilization constitutes a real threat to the safety of international maritime routes in the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea."

Earlier on December 31st, the Yemeni Armed Forces announced the martyrdom of a number of its naval forces, who were killed by US forces while carrying out "their duty" in preventing Israeli and "Israel"-bound ships from crossing the Red Sea.

Along with the same statement, spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree also announced that the army's navy units successfully struck with three naval missiles the Maersk Hangzhou container ship, which was heading toward the occupation entity.

Read next: UK, US to turn Red Sea into warzone, launch attack on Yemen: The Times

In solidarity with Gaza and its Resistance amid the ongoing aggression, the armed forces persist in their operations in the Red Sea against Israeli vessels or those en route to occupation ports. Additionally, they consistently target southern occupied Palestine using missiles and drones, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the security of navigation in the Red Sea. 

As a result of the Yemeni operations, the Director General of the Port of Eilat, Gideon Golber, confirmed on December 11, according to Sputnik reports which cited Israeli Channel 13, that Yemen's threat of Israeli-bound ships had "disrupted 80% to 85% of the port’s profits" at the time.