Read: Biden’s announcement on ‘defensive’ strikes in full warning Houthis he ‘won’t hesitate’ to unleash more bombs

President Biden has issued a statement confirming the “successful” US military airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, promising that he “will not hesitate” to release more bombs.

The president confirmed that the bombing of “a number of targets” on Thursday evening was a joint effort by the US, Britain, Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands.

Read the full statement below:

“Today, U.S. forces, under my leadership, together with the United Kingdom and with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands, successfully targeted a number of targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels to restrict freedom of navigation in to endanger. 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 ballistic missiles against ships 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 divert thousands of kilometers to avoid the Red Sea – which could lead 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 40 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 jeopardize 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.”