WASHINGTON – US-British strikes on Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen had “good effects”, Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder said on Jan 12, and their militaries will continue to monitor the situation for any retaliatory strikes.

There are currently no plans to send additional US troops to the region, Major-General Ryder said in an interview with CNN.

“Our initial assessment is that we had good effects,” he said. “We will continue to monitor, and as the President and (Defence) Secretary Austin have said, we will continue to take necessary action.”

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin, who was hospitalised on Jan 1 to treat an infection, was in good condition, had spoken twice to US President Joe Biden in the last two days, and had been “actively engaged in overseeing and directing these strikes”.

US and British warplanes, ships and submarines launched dozens of air strikes across Yemen overnight in retaliation against Iran-backed Houthi forces for attacks on Red Sea shipping, widening the regional conflict stemming from Israel’s war in Gaza.

Asked about worries that the conflict might escalate, Maj-Gen Ryder said the United States continues to work to contain the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

The Houthi militants’ attacks on commercial shipping in the vital Red Sea waterway have affected more than 50 countries, Maj-Gen Ryder said, and the United States and its allies see the actions as distinct from what is happening in Gaza.

“No one wants to see a wider regional conflict. But again, we also cannot allow for this kind of dangerous, reckless behaviour,” he said. REUTERS