PP The Wire 0130Z January 12, 2024

PRECEDENCE: PRIORITY PP

DTG: 013012Z JAN 24

ICOD: 010012Z JAN 24

CONTROLS: Public Release

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BLUF: USA/GBR CONDUCT AIRSTRIKES IN YEMEN. REGIONAL ATTACKS INTENSIFY IN KIND.

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Middle East: At approximately 0230 local time, British and American forces began conducting airstrikes within Yemen. Pentagon officials state that approximately 10 locations were targeted throughout the nation. Targeting has largely focused on the capital city of Sanaa, as well as the city of Tays and the port of Hodaydah. In response, Yemeni forces have launched substantial missile attacks on US vessels in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.

In response to these attacks, significant developments are currently underway throughout the region. Iranian officials have pledged support for Yemen, and most Iranian military forces have assumed a heightened state of readiness. Substantial attacks have been reported at many coalition bases in Iraq and Syria. The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has also been targeted with Indirect Fire (IDF) weapons.

Responses from regional power-players have varied. Saudi Arabia allowed the use of their airspace for the attack. Conversely, Oman has forbid the use of their airspace for this operation, and the United Arab Emirates has placed their forces on alert in response to coalition targeting.

Analyst Comments: As a reminder, White House officials called a lid for today, so no comments have been made by POTUS regarding this operation. Also, SECDEF Lloyd Austin remains hospitalized, and has not been seen by the public for over 11 days. Considering these factors, it is not clear as to who authorized this operation at this time, or at which level of command and control this operation is being monitored from.

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Analyst: S2A

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