MUSCAT/ WASHINGTON/ ADEN: Oman on Friday condemned US-UK airstrikes across Yemen overnight in retaliation against Ansar Allah forces for attacks on Red Sea shipping, widening regional conflict stemming from Israel's war in Gaza.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oman has warned repeatedly that the circle of conflict and confrontation in the region is widening as a result of Israeli aggression against the occupied Palestinian territories, especially killings, abuse, destruction, and starvation of Gaza Strip residents and civilians.
The ministry reiterated the position of Oman calling for a just and comprehensive peace to achieve security and stability in the region, urging all parties to stop all military operations and focus on addressing the root causes.
Witnesses confirmed explosions at military bases near airports in the capital Sanaa and Yemen's third city Taiz, a naval base at the main Red Sea port Hodeidah and military sites in the coastal Hajjah governorate.
"These targeted strikes are a clear message that the US and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation," US President Joe Biden said. The Ansar Allah said five of their fighters had been killed in a total of 73 air strikes, and that they would retaliate and continue their attacks on shipping, which they describe as intended to support Palestinians against Israel.
"We saw a large fire from where the attack took place. It was half an hour of terror," said Kheloud, a Sanaa resident who awoke to loud explosions from the direction of the airport to the north.
The price of oil rose sharply on concern that supplies could be disrupted, with Brent crude up $2 on Friday. Commercial ship tracking data showed at least four oil tankers diverting from the Red Sea.
Iran foreign ministry spokesperson said: "These attacks are a clear violation of Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a breach of international laws. These attacks will only contribute to insecurity and instability in the region.”
Saudi Arabia called for restraint and "avoiding escalation" after the strikes and said it was monitoring the situation with "great concern".
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the US-UK-led military strike against the Ansar Allah in Yemen as a "disproportionate use of force."
The United States and Britain are "keen to turn the Red Sea into a bloodbath," Erdogan said on Friday.
Ankara's Nato allies the US and the UK, with support from the Netherlands, Canada, Bahrain and Australia, launched the attacks against Ansar Allah.
The operation was carried out in accordance with the UN Charter, an allied joint statement said. — ONA and Reuters
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