Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized the alleged disproportionate use of force by the US and UK in recent strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. Accusing both nations of attempting to turn the Red Sea into a “sea of blood”, Erdogan, a vocal critic of Western support for Israel, condemned the air and sea strikes as lacking proportionality.
Erdogan stated, “All that has been done is a disproportionate use of force”, emphasizing their efforts to transform the Red Sea into a conflict zone. He warned that Yemen, supported by the Houthi rebels, would respond to the actions of the United States and Britain with the necessary force in the region.
Amid reports of Houthi successfully defending against the US and UK attacks, Erdogan mentioned that Turkey had received information from various sources. He also noted Iran’s focus on safeguarding itself against the ongoing developments in the region.
Turkey’s stance on Yemen aligns with its support for the internationally recognized government and its endorsement of the UN-led peace process. Ankara has consistently condemned Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia.
The Red Sea has become a focal point of conflict, with Houthi rebels targeting shipping lanes in support of Palestinians during the Hamas-Israel conflict. Turkey, viewing Hamas differently than as a terrorist organization, remains engaged in the complex dynamics of the region.
