Reactions to US, British strikes against Houthis in Yemen

The United States and Britain launched a series of strikes on Yemen on Thursday aimed at the Iran-backed Houthi militia that started targeting international shipping in the Red Sea late last year.

Reactions included:

RUSSIA'S FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESWOMAN MARIA ZAKHAROVA

"The U.S. air strikes on Yemen are another example of the Anglo-Saxons' perversion of UN Security Council resolutions."

Zakharova said the strikes showed a "complete disregard for international law" and were "escalating the situation in the region". Russia also called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Friday to discuss the issue.

IRAN'S FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN NASSER KANNANI:

"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.”

IRAN-BACKED HEZBOLLAH GROUP IN A STATEMENT:

"The American aggression confirms once again that the U.S. is a full partner in the tragedies and massacres committed by the Zionist enemy in Gaza and the region."

SAUDI ARABIA'S FOREIGN MINISTRY IN A STATEMENT:

Called for restraint and "avoiding escalation" after the strikes and said it was monitoring the situation with "great concern".

"The kingdom emphasizes the importance of maintaining the security and stability of the Red Sea region, as the freedom of navigation in it is an international demand."

DUTCH PRIME MINISTER MARK RUTTE

"The U.S.-British action is based on the right of self-defence, aims to protect free passage and is focused on de-escalation. The Netherlands, with its long history as a sea-faring country, places significant importance on the right of free passage and supports this targeted operation."