LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Today Friday, Governor Jim Pillen issued Executive Order 24-1 to provide an emergency waiver of federal hours of service requirements for fuel truck drivers, to prevent shortages. Nebraska is experiencing extreme cold temperatures, increasing electricity demand, which in turn increases pressure on power districts’ reserve fuel supplies. The order temporarily allows drivers to work extended hours to haul residential heating fuels and oils or fuel used to generate power for residential heat.

The Governor’s order will help reduce delays to ensure power districts have the fuel reserves needed to keep up with surging demand. It is effective immediately and will remain in effect through February 11, 2024, at 11:59 pm.

The compete text of the executive order is attached.

By Office of Governor Jim PillenLINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Today Friday, Governor Jim Pillen issued Executive Order 24-1 to provide an emergency waiver of federal hours of service requirements for fuel truck drivers, to prevent shortages. Nebraska is experiencing extreme cold temperatures, increasing electricity demand, which in turn increases pressure on power districts’ reserve fuel supplies. The order temporarily allows drivers to work extended hours to haul residential heating fuels and oils or fuel used to generate power for residential heat.The Governor’s order will help reduce delays to ensure power districts have the fuel reserves needed to keep up with surging demand. It is effective immediately and will remain in effect through February 11, 2024, at 11:59 pm.The compete text of the executive order is attached.

Gov. Pillen Temporarily Waves Regulations for Truckers Hauling Critically Needed Fuel Due to Extreme Cold Temperatures

&nbsp;By&nbsp;Joseph Clark, Department of Defense&nbsp;

U.S. and partners' forces conducted defensive strikes against military targets in Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen yesterday following a series of attacks launched by the armed rebel group against commercial ships operating in the Red Sea. &nbsp;

The joint strikes were carried out by the U.S. and United Kingdom with nonoperational support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands. They targeted Houthi missile, radar and unmanned areal vehicle capabilities used to carry out attacks against vessels operating in international waters.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden said the strikes serve as a "a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation in one of the world's most critical commercial routes."&nbsp;

"I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce, as necessary," he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/01/11/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-coalition-strikes-in-houthi-controlled-areas-in-yemen/" target="_blank">said in a statement</a>&nbsp;following the strikes. &nbsp;

The U.S. and U.K. forces launched the strikes from air, surface and subsurface platforms and used precision-guided munitions to minimize collateral damage, a Pentagon official said during a press briefing following the strikes. &nbsp;

The strike package included a variety of aircraft flown by U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.K. pilots. &nbsp;

"This action is intended to disrupt and degrade the Houthis' capabilities to endanger mariners and threaten global trade in one of world's most critical waterways," Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III&nbsp;<a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3643830/statement-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-on-coalition-strikes-in-ho/">said in a statement</a>&nbsp;following the strikes. "Today's coalition action sends a clear message to the Houthis that they will bear further costs if they do not end their illegal attacks."&nbsp;

Austin added that the U.S. "maintains its right to self-defense and, if necessary, will take follow-on actions to protect U.S. forces."&nbsp;

Since mid-November, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have launched more than two dozen attacks against merchant vessels operating in the Red Sea. Such attacks against the vital international shipping lane posed a vital concern and impacted international commerce across the globe.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In response, Austin announced the Dec. 18 launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an international maritime task force designed to defend against the attacks.&nbsp;

The operation brought together forces from 22 nations to address the challenges in the region and ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The forces operate under the umbrella of the Combined Maritime Forces and the leadership of Task Force 153, a U.S. Navy-led initiative focused on maritime security in the Red Sea. Earlier this week, the rebel group launched nearly 20 drones and several missiles targeting U.S. ships underway in the region. That attack was defeated by U.S. and U.K. forces operating in the region as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Yesterday's strikes launched against the rebel stronghold in Yemen were not associated with, and are separate from, Operation Prosperity Guardian, the Pentagon official said.&nbsp;

The defensive strikes followed sustained diplomatic efforts and broad international condemnation of the Houthi attacks that have threatened global commerce. &nbsp;

Last week, the governments of the U.S., Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement condemning the attacks and warning the rebel group against further escalation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the statement, the nations warned that the Houthis "will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy and [the] free flow of commerce in the region's critical waterways."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier this week, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution demanding that the rebel group cease all attacks against ships in the Red Sea. &nbsp;

In a statement following yesterday's strike, the goverments of the U.S., Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement further condemning the Houthis' actions and warning against further escalation. &nbsp;

The nations' statement read that the strikes "demonstrated a shared commitment to freedom of navigation, international commerce and defending the lives of mariners from illegal and unjustifiable attacks. Our aim remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea, but let our message be clear: We will not hesitate to defend lives and protect the free flow of commerce in one of the world's most critical waterways in the face of continued threats."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705097183726.png" alt="The USS Carney defeats a combination of Houthi missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the Red Sea, Oct. 19, 2023.&nbsp;Photo By:Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Lau" />
 <figcaption>The USS Carney defeats a combination of Houthi missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the Red Sea, Oct. 19, 2023.&nbsp;Photo By:Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Lau</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By&nbsp;Joseph Clark, Department of Defense&nbsp;U.S. and partners' forces conducted defensive strikes against military targets in Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen yesterday following a series of attacks launched by the armed rebel group against commercial ships operating in the Red Sea. &nbsp;The joint strikes were carried out by the U.S. and United Kingdom with nonoperational support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands. They targeted Houthi missile, radar and unmanned areal vehicle capabilities used to carry out attacks against vessels operating in international waters.&nbsp;President Joe Biden said the strikes serve as a "a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation in one of the world's most critical commercial routes."&nbsp;"I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce, as necessary," he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/01/11/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-coalition-strikes-in-houthi-controlled-areas-in-yemen/" target="_blank">said in a statement</a>&nbsp;following the strikes. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705097309537.png" alt="Image from a video of the attack launch Jan. 11-U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Image from a video of the attack launch Jan. 11-U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>The U.S. and U.K. forces launched the strikes from air, surface and subsurface platforms and used precision-guided munitions to minimize collateral damage, a Pentagon official said during a press briefing following the strikes. &nbsp;The strike package included a variety of aircraft flown by U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.K. pilots. &nbsp;"This action is intended to disrupt and degrade the Houthis' capabilities to endanger mariners and threaten global trade in one of world's most critical waterways," Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III&nbsp;<a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3643830/statement-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-on-coalition-strikes-in-ho/">said in a statement</a>&nbsp;following the strikes. "Today's coalition action sends a clear message to the Houthis that they will bear further costs if they do not end their illegal attacks."&nbsp;Austin added that the U.S. "maintains its right to self-defense and, if necessary, will take follow-on actions to protect U.S. forces."&nbsp;Since mid-November, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have launched more than two dozen attacks against merchant vessels operating in the Red Sea. Such attacks against the vital international shipping lane posed a vital concern and impacted international commerce across the globe.&nbsp;&nbsp;In response, Austin announced the Dec. 18 launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an international maritime task force designed to defend against the attacks.&nbsp;The operation brought together forces from 22 nations to address the challenges in the region and ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. &nbsp;&nbsp;The forces operate under the umbrella of the Combined Maritime Forces and the leadership of Task Force 153, a U.S. Navy-led initiative focused on maritime security in the Red Sea. Earlier this week, the rebel group launched nearly 20 drones and several missiles targeting U.S. ships underway in the region. That attack was defeated by U.S. and U.K. forces operating in the region as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yesterday's strikes launched against the rebel stronghold in Yemen were not associated with, and are separate from, Operation Prosperity Guardian, the Pentagon official said.&nbsp;The defensive strikes followed sustained diplomatic efforts and broad international condemnation of the Houthi attacks that have threatened global commerce. &nbsp;Last week, the governments of the U.S., Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement condemning the attacks and warning the rebel group against further escalation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the statement, the nations warned that the Houthis "will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy and [the] free flow of commerce in the region's critical waterways."&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier this week, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution demanding that the rebel group cease all attacks against ships in the Red Sea. &nbsp;In a statement following yesterday's strike, the goverments of the U.S., Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement further condemning the Houthis' actions and warning against further escalation. &nbsp;The nations' statement read that the strikes "demonstrated a shared commitment to freedom of navigation, international commerce and defending the lives of mariners from illegal and unjustifiable attacks. Our aim remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea, but let our message be clear: We will not hesitate to defend lives and protect the free flow of commerce in one of the world's most critical waterways in the face of continued threats."

U.S. reveals additional details on strikes against Iran-backed rebels

BY:&nbsp;ARIANA FIGUEROA&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/01/12/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-early-student-debt-cancellation-for-borrowers-enrolled-in-save/">announced Friday </a>that some federal student loan borrowers will have their loans cancelled under the Department of Education’s new repayment plan.

Starting next month, people who took out under $12,000 in federal student loans and have been repaying those loans for 10 years will get their remaining student loan balance cancelled&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://studentaid.gov/">once they enroll</a>&nbsp;in the Saving on a Valuable Education Plan, known as SAVE.

“This action will particularly help community college borrowers, low-income borrowers, and those struggling to repay their loans,” Biden said in a statement.

“And, it’s part of our ongoing efforts to act as quickly as possible to give more borrowers breathing room so they can get out from under the burden of student loan debt, move on with their lives and pursue their dreams.”

This initiative builds on the Biden administration’s effort to cancel federal student loan debt following last year’s U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down the White House’s plan for a one-time cancellation of up to $10,000 for federal borrowers. Student loan borrowers who had received Pell Grants — federal aid to help low-income students pay for higher education — could have qualified for an additional $10,000 in forgiveness.

<a target="_blank" href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/06/30/us-supreme-court-rules-against-biden-administration-student-loan-debt-relief-plan/">Hours after the Supreme Court struck down the plan</a>, the White House announced its SAVE plan, along with a one-year off-ramp program that would not report borrowers to creditors if they failed to make loan payments once repayment started back up in October.

“And, in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision on our student debt relief plan, we are continuing to pursue an alternative path to deliver student debt relief to as many borrowers as possible as quickly as possible,” Biden said. “I won’t back down from using every tool at our disposal to get student loan borrowers the relief they need to reach their dreams.”

So far, 6.9 million borrowers have enrolled in SAVE, and of those borrowers, 3.9 million have a $0 monthly payment.

Under the new plan, SAVE calculates payments based on a borrower’s income and family size and forgives balances after a set number of years. The Department of Education has estimated that most borrowers will save about $1,000 per year under the new plan.

Borrowers who are in the former payment plan — known as the Revised Pay as You Earn plan — will automatically be enrolled in the SAVE program.

The states with the highest number of borrowers enrolled in the program include Texas, with 591,700, California with 597,300, Florida with 475,800, New York with 374,300 and Pennsylvania with 289,800.

BY:&nbsp;ARIANA FIGUEROA&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/01/12/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-early-student-debt-cancellation-for-borrowers-enrolled-in-save/">announced Friday </a>that some federal student loan borrowers will have their loans cancelled under the Department of Education’s new repayment plan.Starting next month, people who took out under $12,000 in federal student loans and have been repaying those loans for 10 years will get their remaining student loan balance cancelled&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://studentaid.gov/">once they enroll</a>&nbsp;in the Saving on a Valuable Education Plan, known as SAVE.“This action will particularly help community college borrowers, low-income borrowers, and those struggling to repay their loans,” Biden said in a statement.“And, it’s part of our ongoing efforts to act as quickly as possible to give more borrowers breathing room so they can get out from under the burden of student loan debt, move on with their lives and pursue their dreams.”This initiative builds on the Biden administration’s effort to cancel federal student loan debt following last year’s U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down the White House’s plan for a one-time cancellation of up to $10,000 for federal borrowers. Student loan borrowers who had received Pell Grants — federal aid to help low-income students pay for higher education — could have qualified for an additional $10,000 in forgiveness.<a target="_blank" href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/06/30/us-supreme-court-rules-against-biden-administration-student-loan-debt-relief-plan/">Hours after the Supreme Court struck down the plan</a>, the White House announced its SAVE plan, along with a one-year off-ramp program that would not report borrowers to creditors if they failed to make loan payments once repayment started back up in October.“And, in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision on our student debt relief plan, we are continuing to pursue an alternative path to deliver student debt relief to as many borrowers as possible as quickly as possible,” Biden said. “I won’t back down from using every tool at our disposal to get student loan borrowers the relief they need to reach their dreams.”So far, 6.9 million borrowers have enrolled in SAVE, and of those borrowers, 3.9 million have a $0 monthly payment.Under the new plan, SAVE calculates payments based on a borrower’s income and family size and forgives balances after a set number of years. The Department of Education has estimated that most borrowers will save about $1,000 per year under the new plan.Borrowers who are in the former payment plan — known as the Revised Pay as You Earn plan — will automatically be enrolled in the SAVE program.The states with the highest number of borrowers enrolled in the program include Texas, with 591,700, California with 597,300, Florida with 475,800, New York with 374,300 and Pennsylvania with 289,800.

Biden announces plan to cancel some student loan balances under $12,000

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Yemen’s Houthi rebels vowed fierce retaliation Friday for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-biden-retaliation-attacks-0804b93372cd5e874a0dd03513fe36a2">American and British strikes against them</a>, further raising the prospect of a wider conflict in a region already beset by Israel's war in Gaza.

The bombardment — launched in response to a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-attacks-iran-ships-retaliation-houthis-d770a3fb0fab4c4b72e2459771833e11">campaign of drone and missile attacks</a>&nbsp;on commercial ships in the vital Red Sea — killed at least five people and wounded six, the Houthis said.

As the bombing lit the predawn sky over multiple sites held by the Iranian-backed rebels, it forced the world to again focus on Yemen's yearslong war, which began when the Houthis seized the country's capital.

Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea, saying they were avenging&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's offensive in Gaza against Hamas</a>. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade and energy shipments.

Though the Biden administration and its allies have tried to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-iran-hezbollah-yemen-0373be2e21b5a832d71f5bf828f67959">calm tensions in the Middle East</a>&nbsp;for weeks and prevent any wider conflict, the strikes threatened to ignite one.

Saudi Arabia — which supports the government-in-exile that the Houthis are fighting — quickly sought to distance itself from the attacks as it seeks to maintain a delicate détente with Iran and a cease-fire it has in Yemen.

The Houthis’ military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, said in a recorded address that the strikes would "not go unanswered or unpunished.”

He said strikes on regions of Yemen under their control killed five and wounded six from the rebels’ military forces. It remained unclear how extensive the damage was, though the Houthis said at least five sites, including airfields, had been attacked.

The United Kingdom said strikes hit a site in Bani allegedly used by the Houthis to launch drones and an airfield in Abbs used to launch cruise missiles and drones.

Hussein al-Ezzi, a Houthi official in their Foreign Ministry, that “America and Britain will undoubtedly have to prepare to pay a heavy price and bear all the dire consequences of this blatant aggression.”

The Red Sea route is a crucial waterway, and attacks there have caused severe disruptions to global trade. Benchmark Brent crude oil traded up some 4% Friday at over $80 a barrel. Tesla, meanwhile, said it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tesla-germany-factory-production-halt-red-sea-2a13fa207ac3d4670264e47bba427e10">temporarily halt</a>&nbsp;most production at its German factory because of attacks in the Red Sea.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy acknowledged an attack days earlier on a ship in the far reaches of the Indian Ocean — an attack that may signal Iran's willingness to strike vessels as part of a wider maritime campaign over the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Tehran on Thursday separately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/persian-gulf-oman-strait-hormuz-3a906e909be2ce63c87c1b208ed05baa">seized another tanker</a>.

In Saada, the Houthis' stronghold in northwest Yemen, hundreds gathered for a rally Friday, denouncing the U.S. and Israel. Another drew thousands in Sanaa, the capital.

Yemen has been targeted by U.S. military action over the last four American presidencies. A campaign of drone strikes began under President George W. Bush to target the local affiliate of al-Qaida, attacks that have continued under the Biden administration. Meanwhile, the U.S. has launched raids and other military operations amid the ongoing war in Yemen.

That war began when the Houthis swept into Sanaa in 2014. A Saudi-led coalition including the United Arab Emirates launched a war to back Yemen's exiled government in 2015, quickly morphing the conflict into a regional confrontation as Iran backed the Houthis with weapons and other support.

That war, however, has slowed as the Houthis maintain their grip on the territory they hold. In March, Saudi Arabia reached a Chinese-mediated deal to restart relations with Iran in hopes of ultimately withdrawing from the war.

However, an overall deal has yet to be reached, likely sparking Saudi Arabia's expression Friday of “great concern” over the airstrikes.

“While the kingdom stresses the importance of preserving the security and stability of the Red Sea region ... it calls for restraint and avoiding escalation,” its Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Iran condemned the attack in a statement from Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani.

“Arbitrary attacks will have no result other than fueling insecurity and instability in the region," he said.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning called on nations not to escalate tensions in the Red Sea.

Oman, long a regional interlocutor for the U.S. and the West with Iran, condemned the airstrikes. It called the attack a “great concern while Israel continued its brutal war and siege of the Gaza Strip without accountability or punishment.”

Meanwhile Friday, the U.S. Navy confirmed an attack days earlier near the coasts of India and Sri Lanka. The chemical tanker Pacific Gold was struck Jan. 4 by what the Navy called “an Iranian one-way attack” drone, causing some damage to the vessel but no injuries.

The Pacific Gold is managed by Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping, a company that is ultimately controlled by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer. Iran itself has not acknowledged carrying out the attack.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699124273212.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Yemen’s Houthi rebels vowed fierce retaliation Friday for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-biden-retaliation-attacks-0804b93372cd5e874a0dd03513fe36a2">American and British strikes against them</a>, further raising the prospect of a wider conflict in a region already beset by Israel's war in Gaza.The bombardment — launched in response to a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-attacks-iran-ships-retaliation-houthis-d770a3fb0fab4c4b72e2459771833e11">campaign of drone and missile attacks</a>&nbsp;on commercial ships in the vital Red Sea — killed at least five people and wounded six, the Houthis said.As the bombing lit the predawn sky over multiple sites held by the Iranian-backed rebels, it forced the world to again focus on Yemen's yearslong war, which began when the Houthis seized the country's capital.Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea, saying they were avenging&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's offensive in Gaza against Hamas</a>. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade and energy shipments.Though the Biden administration and its allies have tried to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-iran-hezbollah-yemen-0373be2e21b5a832d71f5bf828f67959">calm tensions in the Middle East</a>&nbsp;for weeks and prevent any wider conflict, the strikes threatened to ignite one.Saudi Arabia — which supports the government-in-exile that the Houthis are fighting — quickly sought to distance itself from the attacks as it seeks to maintain a delicate détente with Iran and a cease-fire it has in Yemen.The Houthis’ military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, said in a recorded address that the strikes would "not go unanswered or unpunished.”He said strikes on regions of Yemen under their control killed five and wounded six from the rebels’ military forces. It remained unclear how extensive the damage was, though the Houthis said at least five sites, including airfields, had been attacked.The United Kingdom said strikes hit a site in Bani allegedly used by the Houthis to launch drones and an airfield in Abbs used to launch cruise missiles and drones.Hussein al-Ezzi, a Houthi official in their Foreign Ministry, that “America and Britain will undoubtedly have to prepare to pay a heavy price and bear all the dire consequences of this blatant aggression.”The Red Sea route is a crucial waterway, and attacks there have caused severe disruptions to global trade. Benchmark Brent crude oil traded up some 4% Friday at over $80 a barrel. Tesla, meanwhile, said it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tesla-germany-factory-production-halt-red-sea-2a13fa207ac3d4670264e47bba427e10">temporarily halt</a>&nbsp;most production at its German factory because of attacks in the Red Sea.Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy acknowledged an attack days earlier on a ship in the far reaches of the Indian Ocean — an attack that may signal Iran's willingness to strike vessels as part of a wider maritime campaign over the Israel-Hamas conflict.Tehran on Thursday separately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/persian-gulf-oman-strait-hormuz-3a906e909be2ce63c87c1b208ed05baa">seized another tanker</a>.In Saada, the Houthis' stronghold in northwest Yemen, hundreds gathered for a rally Friday, denouncing the U.S. and Israel. Another drew thousands in Sanaa, the capital.Yemen has been targeted by U.S. military action over the last four American presidencies. A campaign of drone strikes began under President George W. Bush to target the local affiliate of al-Qaida, attacks that have continued under the Biden administration. Meanwhile, the U.S. has launched raids and other military operations amid the ongoing war in Yemen.That war began when the Houthis swept into Sanaa in 2014. A Saudi-led coalition including the United Arab Emirates launched a war to back Yemen's exiled government in 2015, quickly morphing the conflict into a regional confrontation as Iran backed the Houthis with weapons and other support.That war, however, has slowed as the Houthis maintain their grip on the territory they hold. In March, Saudi Arabia reached a Chinese-mediated deal to restart relations with Iran in hopes of ultimately withdrawing from the war.However, an overall deal has yet to be reached, likely sparking Saudi Arabia's expression Friday of “great concern” over the airstrikes.“While the kingdom stresses the importance of preserving the security and stability of the Red Sea region ... it calls for restraint and avoiding escalation,” its Foreign Ministry said in a statement.Iran condemned the attack in a statement from Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani.“Arbitrary attacks will have no result other than fueling insecurity and instability in the region," he said.In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning called on nations not to escalate tensions in the Red Sea.Oman, long a regional interlocutor for the U.S. and the West with Iran, condemned the airstrikes. It called the attack a “great concern while Israel continued its brutal war and siege of the Gaza Strip without accountability or punishment.”Meanwhile Friday, the U.S. Navy confirmed an attack days earlier near the coasts of India and Sri Lanka. The chemical tanker Pacific Gold was struck Jan. 4 by what the Navy called “an Iranian one-way attack” drone, causing some damage to the vessel but no injuries.The Pacific Gold is managed by Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping, a company that is ultimately controlled by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer. Iran itself has not acknowledged carrying out the attack.

Mideast crisis: Rebels vow fierce retaliation against U.S. 

NEW YORK (AP) — Barred from giving a formal closing argument,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;wrested an opportunity to speak in court at the conclusion of his New York&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.apnews.com/features/2023/trump-investigations-civil-criminal-tracker/index.html">civil fraud trial</a>&nbsp;Thursday, unleashing a barrage of attacks in a six-minute diatribe before being cut off by the judge.

In an extraordinary move for any defendant, Trump not only sought to make his own summation but then brushed past a question from the judge about whether he would follow rules requiring him to keep his remarks focused on matters related to the trial.

“I am an innocent man,” Trump protested. “I’m being persecuted by someone running for office, and I think you have to go outside the bounds.”

Judge Arthur Engoron let him continue almost uninterrupted for what amounted to a brief personal summation, then cut him off for a scheduled lunch break.

Trump's in-court remarks, which were not televised, ensured a tumultuous final day for a trial over allegations that he habitually exaggerated his wealth on financial statements, deceiving a bank and insurance companies into giving him plum deals.

Engoron said he hoped to have a verdict by Jan. 31. He is deciding the case because state law doesn’t allow for juries in this type of lawsuit.

New York Attorney General Letitia James sued Trump in 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-sued-new-york-letitia-james-ec6b3b91b6c8594495ada7d0a2b80a2f">under a state law</a>&nbsp;that gives her broad power to investigate allegations of persistent fraud in business dealings. She wants the judge to impose $370 million in penalties and forbid Trump from doing business in New York.

Adding to the day's tension, the exchanges took place hours after authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/swatting-calls-marjorie-taylor-greene-rick-scott-d568818925c99c8cf17467f737b99e97">responded to a bomb threat</a>&nbsp;at the judge’s house in New York City's suburbs. The scare didn't delay the start of court proceedings, and Engoron didn't mention it in court.

Trump, the leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination, has disparaged Engoron throughout the trial, accusing him in a social media post Wednesday night of working closely with James. Both she and Engoron are Democrats.

The court action came days before the presidential primary season kicks off with the Monday's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-caucuses-trump-desantis-haley-president-dd99db756efd940a7822157e1e9b09e8">Iowa caucuses</a>.

Engoron had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fraud-trial-closing-arguments-420997f889922423dbce8a0945f0c348">rejected an unusual plan</a>&nbsp;by Trump to deliver his own closing remarks in the courtroom, in addition to summations from his legal team. The sticking point was that Trump's lawyers would not agree to the judge’s demand that he stick to “relevant” matters and not try to introduce new evidence, make a campaign speech or lob personal attacks at the judge, James or the court system.

After three Trump lawyers delivered traditional closing arguments Thursday, one of them, Christopher Kise, asked the judge again whether Trump could speak. Engoron asked Trump whether he would abide by the guidelines.

Trump didn't agree to do so, instead launching into his remarks.

“What’s happened here, sir, is a fraud on me," Trump said, claiming he was being targeted by officials who “want to make sure I don't win again.” He later accused the judge of not listening to him: “I know this is boring to you.”

“Control your client,” Engoron warned Kise.

Engoron then told Trump he had a minute left, let him speak a little more, and then adjourned.

James later said she wasn't bothered by Trump's personal attacks.

“This case has never been about politics or personal vendetta or about name-calling,” she said outside court. "This case is about the facts and the law. And Mr. Donald Trump violated the law.”

A lawyer for her office, Kevin Wallace, had argued in court that “fraud was central to the operation" of Trump's business. Wallace asserted that inflating Trump’s fortune led to interest rate savings that “kept the company afloat” for a time when it was spending big on various projects, though Kise objected that there was no testimony to that effect.

The state insisted that the falsehoods were intentional and that Trump should be held accountable for them.

“Ask yourself: Would any of this persistent fraud have happened, over the course of 11 years, if it wasn’t directed from the top by Mr. Trump?” state lawyer Andrew Amer posited during summations.

Trump skipped the state's closing arguments to hold a news conference that served as counter-programming. He reiterated his insistence that “they have no case.”

His lawyers had argued as much in their summations. Kise said Trump “should get a medal” for his business acumen instead of a potential punishment he deemed the “corporate death penalty.”

While he acknowledged that Trump's financial statements may have made “immaterial” overstatements about some of his holdings, the lawyer maintained that many assets "were undervalued by substantial sums.”

The day began with police on Long Island checking out what they called a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/swatting-calls-marjorie-taylor-greene-rick-scott-d568818925c99c8cf17467f737b99e97">“swatting incident</a>&nbsp;at Engoron’s home. Nassau County police said they found nothing amiss.

The false report came days after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-judge-swatting-threats-fe70d2254f2da4a1cb9e6e55c79e1d40">fake emergency call</a>&nbsp;reporting a shooting at the home of the judge in Trump’s Washington, D.C., criminal case. The incidents are among a recent spate of similar false reports at the homes of public officials.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-letitia-james-fraud-lawsuit-1569245a9284427117b8d3ba5da74249">Engoron</a>&nbsp;ruled before the trial that Trump had committed years of fraud by lying about his riches on financial statements with tricks like claiming his Trump Tower penthouse was nearly three times its actual size.

The trial involves six undecided claims of conspiracy, insurance fraud and falsifying business records. Trump’s company and two of his sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., are also defendants. Eric Trump was also in court for closing arguments.

In a ruling last month, the judge suggested he’s inclined to find Trump and his co-defendants liable on at least some claims. Assets can be valued in different ways, the judge wrote, "but a lie is still a lie.”

However, Engoron asked the state lawyers Thursday what evidence they had that Trump's sons knew of the alleged fraud. “I just haven't seen it,” the judge said.

Amer responded that the sons, as top executives, bore responsibility even if they claimed to be unaware of the purported wrongdoing.

Since the trial began Oct. 2, the former president has gone to court nine times to observe, testify and complain to TV cameras about the case.

He clashed with Engoron and state lawyers during 3½ hours&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fraud-trial-testimony-dca74420da0f92ee9bc9caff7a92c3b2">on the witness stand in November</a>&nbsp;and remains under a limited gag order after making a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-letitia-james-fraud-lawsuit-new-york-371675a2482c1de01f516f29b5a43d33">disparaging and false social media post about the judge's law clerk</a>.

On Tuesday, he was in court in Washington, D.C., to watch appeals court arguments over whether he is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-jan-6-justice-department-special-counsel-f82dbd294cd7b963dd69f1ecdf90aded">immune from prosecution</a>&nbsp;on charges that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">plotted to overturn</a>&nbsp;the 2020 election — one of four criminal cases against him. Trump has pleaded not guilty.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705058384379.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Barred from giving a formal closing argument,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;wrested an opportunity to speak in court at the conclusion of his New York&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.apnews.com/features/2023/trump-investigations-civil-criminal-tracker/index.html">civil fraud trial</a>&nbsp;Thursday, unleashing a barrage of attacks in a six-minute diatribe before being cut off by the judge.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump: &quot;My legal issues, every one of them, every one, civil and the criminal ones, are set up by Joe Biden, crooked Joe Biden.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/AlHyZ3hF5o">pic.twitter.com/AlHyZ3hF5o</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1745533927777792336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump: &quot;I want to go to all of my trials. These are all set up by Biden and the Democrats. This is their new form of cheating.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/mV7mLJt6qt">pic.twitter.com/mV7mLJt6qt</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1745533998267269122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In an extraordinary move for any defendant, Trump not only sought to make his own summation but then brushed past a question from the judge about whether he would follow rules requiring him to keep his remarks focused on matters related to the trial.“I am an innocent man,” Trump protested. “I’m being persecuted by someone running for office, and I think you have to go outside the bounds.”Judge Arthur Engoron let him continue almost uninterrupted for what amounted to a brief personal summation, then cut him off for a scheduled lunch break.Trump's in-court remarks, which were not televised, ensured a tumultuous final day for a trial over allegations that he habitually exaggerated his wealth on financial statements, deceiving a bank and insurance companies into giving him plum deals.Engoron said he hoped to have a verdict by Jan. 31. He is deciding the case because state law doesn’t allow for juries in this type of lawsuit.New York Attorney General Letitia James sued Trump in 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-sued-new-york-letitia-james-ec6b3b91b6c8594495ada7d0a2b80a2f">under a state law</a>&nbsp;that gives her broad power to investigate allegations of persistent fraud in business dealings. She wants the judge to impose $370 million in penalties and forbid Trump from doing business in New York.Adding to the day's tension, the exchanges took place hours after authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/swatting-calls-marjorie-taylor-greene-rick-scott-d568818925c99c8cf17467f737b99e97">responded to a bomb threat</a>&nbsp;at the judge’s house in New York City's suburbs. The scare didn't delay the start of court proceedings, and Engoron didn't mention it in court.Trump, the leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination, has disparaged Engoron throughout the trial, accusing him in a social media post Wednesday night of working closely with James. Both she and Engoron are Democrats.The court action came days before the presidential primary season kicks off with the Monday's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-caucuses-trump-desantis-haley-president-dd99db756efd940a7822157e1e9b09e8">Iowa caucuses</a>.Engoron had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fraud-trial-closing-arguments-420997f889922423dbce8a0945f0c348">rejected an unusual plan</a>&nbsp;by Trump to deliver his own closing remarks in the courtroom, in addition to summations from his legal team. The sticking point was that Trump's lawyers would not agree to the judge’s demand that he stick to “relevant” matters and not try to introduce new evidence, make a campaign speech or lob personal attacks at the judge, James or the court system.After three Trump lawyers delivered traditional closing arguments Thursday, one of them, Christopher Kise, asked the judge again whether Trump could speak. Engoron asked Trump whether he would abide by the guidelines.Trump didn't agree to do so, instead launching into his remarks.“What’s happened here, sir, is a fraud on me," Trump said, claiming he was being targeted by officials who “want to make sure I don't win again.” He later accused the judge of not listening to him: “I know this is boring to you.”“Control your client,” Engoron warned Kise.Engoron then told Trump he had a minute left, let him speak a little more, and then adjourned.James later said she wasn't bothered by Trump's personal attacks.“This case has never been about politics or personal vendetta or about name-calling,” she said outside court. "This case is about the facts and the law. And Mr. Donald Trump violated the law.”A lawyer for her office, Kevin Wallace, had argued in court that “fraud was central to the operation" of Trump's business. Wallace asserted that inflating Trump’s fortune led to interest rate savings that “kept the company afloat” for a time when it was spending big on various projects, though Kise objected that there was no testimony to that effect.The state insisted that the falsehoods were intentional and that Trump should be held accountable for them.“Ask yourself: Would any of this persistent fraud have happened, over the course of 11 years, if it wasn’t directed from the top by Mr. Trump?” state lawyer Andrew Amer posited during summations.Trump skipped the state's closing arguments to hold a news conference that served as counter-programming. He reiterated his insistence that “they have no case.”His lawyers had argued as much in their summations. Kise said Trump “should get a medal” for his business acumen instead of a potential punishment he deemed the “corporate death penalty.”While he acknowledged that Trump's financial statements may have made “immaterial” overstatements about some of his holdings, the lawyer maintained that many assets "were undervalued by substantial sums.”The day began with police on Long Island checking out what they called a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/swatting-calls-marjorie-taylor-greene-rick-scott-d568818925c99c8cf17467f737b99e97">“swatting incident</a>&nbsp;at Engoron’s home. Nassau County police said they found nothing amiss.The false report came days after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-judge-swatting-threats-fe70d2254f2da4a1cb9e6e55c79e1d40">fake emergency call</a>&nbsp;reporting a shooting at the home of the judge in Trump’s Washington, D.C., criminal case. The incidents are among a recent spate of similar false reports at the homes of public officials.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-letitia-james-fraud-lawsuit-1569245a9284427117b8d3ba5da74249">Engoron</a>&nbsp;ruled before the trial that Trump had committed years of fraud by lying about his riches on financial statements with tricks like claiming his Trump Tower penthouse was nearly three times its actual size.The trial involves six undecided claims of conspiracy, insurance fraud and falsifying business records. Trump’s company and two of his sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., are also defendants. Eric Trump was also in court for closing arguments.In a ruling last month, the judge suggested he’s inclined to find Trump and his co-defendants liable on at least some claims. Assets can be valued in different ways, the judge wrote, "but a lie is still a lie.”However, Engoron asked the state lawyers Thursday what evidence they had that Trump's sons knew of the alleged fraud. “I just haven't seen it,” the judge said.Amer responded that the sons, as top executives, bore responsibility even if they claimed to be unaware of the purported wrongdoing.Since the trial began Oct. 2, the former president has gone to court nine times to observe, testify and complain to TV cameras about the case.He clashed with Engoron and state lawyers during 3½ hours&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fraud-trial-testimony-dca74420da0f92ee9bc9caff7a92c3b2">on the witness stand in November</a>&nbsp;and remains under a limited gag order after making a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-letitia-james-fraud-lawsuit-new-york-371675a2482c1de01f516f29b5a43d33">disparaging and false social media post about the judge's law clerk</a>.On Tuesday, he was in court in Washington, D.C., to watch appeals court arguments over whether he is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-jan-6-justice-department-special-counsel-f82dbd294cd7b963dd69f1ecdf90aded">immune from prosecution</a>&nbsp;on charges that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">plotted to overturn</a>&nbsp;the 2020 election — one of four criminal cases against him. Trump has pleaded not guilty.___

🎥Trump: Legal woes are Biden, Democratic Party 'new form of cheating'

&nbsp;WASHINGTON —U.S. and British militaries are bombing more than a dozen sites used by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, in a massive retaliatory strike using warship-launched Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets.

In a statement from the White House, President Biden said," at my direction, U.S. military forces—together with the United Kingdom and with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands—successfully conducted strikes against a number of targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels to endanger freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most vital waterways."

"These strikes are in direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea—including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time in history. These attacks have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardized trade, and threatened freedom of navigation. More than 50 nations have been affected in 27 attacks on international commercial shipping."

"Crews from more than 20 countries have been threatened or taken hostage in acts of piracy.&nbsp; More than 2,000 ships have been forced to divert thousands of miles to avoid the Red Sea—which can cause weeks of delays in product shipping times. And on January 9, Houthis launched their largest attack to date—directly targeting American ships.The response of the international community to these reckless attacks has been united and resolute."

"Last month, the United States launched Operation Prosperity Guardian—a coalition of more than 20 nations committed to defending international shipping and deterring Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.&nbsp; We also joined more than 40 nations in condemning Houthi threats."

"Last week, together with 13 allies and partners, we issued an unequivocal warning that Houthi rebels would bear the consequences if their attacks did not cease. And yesterday, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution demanding the Houthis end attacks on merchant and commercial vessels.Today’s (Thursday) defensive action follows this extensive diplomatic campaign and Houthi rebels’ escalating attacks against commercial vessels."

"These targeted strikes are a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical commercial routes. I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary."

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. and British militaries were bombing more than a dozen sites used by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen on Thursday, in a massive retaliatory strike using warship-launched Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets, several U.S. officials told The Associated Press. The military targets included logistical hubs, air defense systems and weapons storage and launching locations, they said.

Associated Press journalists in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, heard four explosions early Friday local time but saw no sign of warplanes. Two residents of Hodieda, Amin Ali Saleh and Hani Ahmed, said they heard five strong explosions hitting the western port area of the city, which lies on the Red Sea and is the largest port city controlled by the Houthis. Explosions also were heard by residents of Taiz, a southwestern city near the Red Sea.

The strikes marked the first U.S. military response to what has been a persistent campaign of drone and missile attacks on commercial ships since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. And the coordinated military assault comes just a week after the White House and a host of partner nations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-israel-hamas-houthis-red-sea-fef8d446852b6eae33d38ffd8f6b2d64">issued a final warning</a>&nbsp;to the Houthis to cease the attacks or face potential military action. The officials confirmed the strikes on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations. Members of Congress were briefed earlier Thursday on the strike plans.

The warning appeared to have had at least some short-lived impact, as attacks stopped for several days. On Tuesday, however, the Houthi rebels fired their largest-ever barrage of drones and missiles&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-shipping-houthi-attacks-drones-missiles-1acc4ca5ebcaf6fee932a2061d451f59">targeting shipping in the Red Sea</a>, with U.S. and British ships and American fighter jets responding by shooting down 18 drones, two cruise missiles and an anti-ship missile. And on Thursday, the Houthis fired an anti-ship ballistic missile into the Gulf of Aden, which was seen by a commercial ship but did not hit the ship.

The rebels, who have carried out 27 attacks involving dozens of drones and missiles just since Nov. 19, said Thursday that any attack by American forces on its sites in Yemen will spark a fierce military response.

“The response to any American attack will not only be at the level of the operation that was recently carried out with more than 24 drones and several missiles,” said Abdel Malek al-Houthi, the group’s supreme leader, during an hour-long speech. “It will be greater than that.”

The Houthis say their assaults are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/israel-hamas-war-yemen-red-sea-rebellions-and-uprisings-yemen-government-35148e6fbef64ec8b6fa074d4da2551c">aimed at stopping Israel’s war on Hamas</a>&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip. But their targets increasingly have little or no connection to Israel and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-yemen-houthis-attack-ships-f67d941c260528ac40315ecab4c34ca3">imperil a crucial trade route</a>&nbsp;linking Asia and the Middle East with Europe.

Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution Wednesday that demanded the Houthis immediately cease the attacks and implicitly condemned their weapons supplier, Iran. It was approved by a vote of 11-0 with four abstentions — by Russia, China, Algeria and Mozambique.

Britain’s participation in the strikes underscored the Biden administration’s effort to use a broad international coalition to battle the Houthis, rather than appear to be going it alone. More than 20 nations are already participating in a U.S.-led maritime mission to increase ship protection in the Red Sea.

U.S. officials for weeks had declined to signal when international patience would run out and they would strike back at the Houthis, even as multiple commercial vessels were struck by missiles and drones, prompting companies to look at rerouting their ships.

On Wednesday, however, U.S. officials again warned of consequences.

“I’m not going to telegraph or preview anything that might happen,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters during a stop in Bahrain. He said the U.S. has made clear “that if this continues as it did yesterday, there will be consequences. And I’m going to leave it at that.”

The Biden administration’s reluctance over the past several months to retaliate reflected political sensitivities and stemmed largely from broader worries about upending the shaky truce in Yemen and triggering a wider conflict in the region. The White House wants to preserve the truce and has been wary of taking action in Yemen that could open up another war front.

The impact on international shipping and the escalating attacks, however, triggered the coalition warning, which was signed by the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom. Separately, the U.S. called on the United Nations Security Council to take action against the Houthis and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-un-yemen-houthis-shipping-red-sea-08d42a18873ce55979c755ea1a9cc1b5">warned their financier Iran</a>&nbsp;that it has a choice to make about continuing to provide support to the rebels.

Transit through the Red Sea, from the Suez Canal to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, is a crucial shipping lane for global commerce. About 12% of the world’s trade typically passes through the waterway that separates Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, including oil, natural gas, grain and everything from toys to electronics.

In response to the attacks, the U.S. created a new maritime security mission, dubbed Operation Prosperity Guardian, to increase security in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden, with about 22 countries are participating. U.S. warships, and those from other nations, have been routinely sailing back and forth through the narrow strait to provide protection for ships and to deter attacks. The coalition has also ramped up airborne surveillance.

The decision to set up the expanded patrol operation came after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-houthi-yemen-ships-attack-israel-hamas-war-gaza-strip-716770f0a780160e9abed98d3c48fbde">three commercial vessels were struck by missiles</a>&nbsp;fired by Houthis in Yemen on Dec. 3.

The Pentagon increased its military presence in the region after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in Israel to deter Iran from widening the war into a regional conflict, including by the Houthis and Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696968173377.png" alt="File photo White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;WASHINGTON —U.S. and British militaries are bombing more than a dozen sites used by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, in a massive retaliatory strike using warship-launched Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets.In a statement from the White House, President Biden said," at my direction, U.S. military forces—together with the United Kingdom and with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands—successfully conducted strikes against a number of targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels to endanger freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most vital waterways.""These strikes are in direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea—including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time in history. These attacks have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardized trade, and threatened freedom of navigation. More than 50 nations have been affected in 27 attacks on international commercial shipping.""Crews from more than 20 countries have been threatened or taken hostage in acts of piracy.&nbsp; More than 2,000 ships have been forced to divert thousands of miles to avoid the Red Sea—which can cause weeks of delays in product shipping times. And on January 9, Houthis launched their largest attack to date—directly targeting American ships.The response of the international community to these reckless attacks has been united and resolute.""Last month, the United States launched Operation Prosperity Guardian—a coalition of more than 20 nations committed to defending international shipping and deterring Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.&nbsp; We also joined more than 40 nations in condemning Houthi threats.""Last week, together with 13 allies and partners, we issued an unequivocal warning that Houthi rebels would bear the consequences if their attacks did not cease. And yesterday, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution demanding the Houthis end attacks on merchant and commercial vessels.Today’s (Thursday) defensive action follows this extensive diplomatic campaign and Houthi rebels’ escalating attacks against commercial vessels.""These targeted strikes are a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical commercial routes. I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary."------------WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. and British militaries were bombing more than a dozen sites used by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen on Thursday, in a massive retaliatory strike using warship-launched Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets, several U.S. officials told The Associated Press. The military targets included logistical hubs, air defense systems and weapons storage and launching locations, they said.Associated Press journalists in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, heard four explosions early Friday local time but saw no sign of warplanes. Two residents of Hodieda, Amin Ali Saleh and Hani Ahmed, said they heard five strong explosions hitting the western port area of the city, which lies on the Red Sea and is the largest port city controlled by the Houthis. Explosions also were heard by residents of Taiz, a southwestern city near the Red Sea.The strikes marked the first U.S. military response to what has been a persistent campaign of drone and missile attacks on commercial ships since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. And the coordinated military assault comes just a week after the White House and a host of partner nations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-israel-hamas-houthis-red-sea-fef8d446852b6eae33d38ffd8f6b2d64">issued a final warning</a>&nbsp;to the Houthis to cease the attacks or face potential military action. The officials confirmed the strikes on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations. Members of Congress were briefed earlier Thursday on the strike plans.The warning appeared to have had at least some short-lived impact, as attacks stopped for several days. On Tuesday, however, the Houthi rebels fired their largest-ever barrage of drones and missiles&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-shipping-houthi-attacks-drones-missiles-1acc4ca5ebcaf6fee932a2061d451f59">targeting shipping in the Red Sea</a>, with U.S. and British ships and American fighter jets responding by shooting down 18 drones, two cruise missiles and an anti-ship missile. And on Thursday, the Houthis fired an anti-ship ballistic missile into the Gulf of Aden, which was seen by a commercial ship but did not hit the ship.The rebels, who have carried out 27 attacks involving dozens of drones and missiles just since Nov. 19, said Thursday that any attack by American forces on its sites in Yemen will spark a fierce military response.“The response to any American attack will not only be at the level of the operation that was recently carried out with more than 24 drones and several missiles,” said Abdel Malek al-Houthi, the group’s supreme leader, during an hour-long speech. “It will be greater than that.”The Houthis say their assaults are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/israel-hamas-war-yemen-red-sea-rebellions-and-uprisings-yemen-government-35148e6fbef64ec8b6fa074d4da2551c">aimed at stopping Israel’s war on Hamas</a>&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip. But their targets increasingly have little or no connection to Israel and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-yemen-houthis-attack-ships-f67d941c260528ac40315ecab4c34ca3">imperil a crucial trade route</a>&nbsp;linking Asia and the Middle East with Europe.Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution Wednesday that demanded the Houthis immediately cease the attacks and implicitly condemned their weapons supplier, Iran. It was approved by a vote of 11-0 with four abstentions — by Russia, China, Algeria and Mozambique.Britain’s participation in the strikes underscored the Biden administration’s effort to use a broad international coalition to battle the Houthis, rather than appear to be going it alone. More than 20 nations are already participating in a U.S.-led maritime mission to increase ship protection in the Red Sea.U.S. officials for weeks had declined to signal when international patience would run out and they would strike back at the Houthis, even as multiple commercial vessels were struck by missiles and drones, prompting companies to look at rerouting their ships.On Wednesday, however, U.S. officials again warned of consequences.“I’m not going to telegraph or preview anything that might happen,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters during a stop in Bahrain. He said the U.S. has made clear “that if this continues as it did yesterday, there will be consequences. And I’m going to leave it at that.”The Biden administration’s reluctance over the past several months to retaliate reflected political sensitivities and stemmed largely from broader worries about upending the shaky truce in Yemen and triggering a wider conflict in the region. The White House wants to preserve the truce and has been wary of taking action in Yemen that could open up another war front.The impact on international shipping and the escalating attacks, however, triggered the coalition warning, which was signed by the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom. Separately, the U.S. called on the United Nations Security Council to take action against the Houthis and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-un-yemen-houthis-shipping-red-sea-08d42a18873ce55979c755ea1a9cc1b5">warned their financier Iran</a>&nbsp;that it has a choice to make about continuing to provide support to the rebels.Transit through the Red Sea, from the Suez Canal to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, is a crucial shipping lane for global commerce. About 12% of the world’s trade typically passes through the waterway that separates Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, including oil, natural gas, grain and everything from toys to electronics.In response to the attacks, the U.S. created a new maritime security mission, dubbed Operation Prosperity Guardian, to increase security in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden, with about 22 countries are participating. U.S. warships, and those from other nations, have been routinely sailing back and forth through the narrow strait to provide protection for ships and to deter attacks. The coalition has also ramped up airborne surveillance.The decision to set up the expanded patrol operation came after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-houthi-yemen-ships-attack-israel-hamas-war-gaza-strip-716770f0a780160e9abed98d3c48fbde">three commercial vessels were struck by missiles</a>&nbsp;fired by Houthis in Yemen on Dec. 3.The Pentagon increased its military presence in the region after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in Israel to deter Iran from widening the war into a regional conflict, including by the Houthis and Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria.

Biden's statement on U.S. retaliatory strike against Iranian terrorists

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-biden-retaliation-attacks-0804b93372cd5e874a0dd03513fe36a2">U.S.-led airstrikes</a>&nbsp;on Yemen's Houthi rebels in response to their attacks on Red Sea shipping pulled the world's focus Friday back on the yearslong war raging there, even as tensions rise across a Middle East already torn by Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The strikes killed at least five people and wounded six, the Houthis said, without elaborating on what was targeted.

As the bombing lit the predawn sky over multiple sites held by the Iranian-backed rebels, Saudi Arabia quickly sought to distance itself from the attacks as it seeks to maintain a delicate détente with Iran and a cease-fire in the Yemen war from which it hopes to finally withdraw.

The attack also threatened to ignite a regional conflict over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's war on Hamas</a>, which the Biden administration and its allies have been trying to calm for weeks.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy acknowledged an attack days earlier on a ship in the far reaches of the Indian Ocean — an attack that may signal Iran's willingness to strike vessels as part of a wider maritime campaign over the Israel-Hamas conflict. Tehran on Thursday separately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/persian-gulf-oman-strait-hormuz-3a906e909be2ce63c87c1b208ed05baa">seized another tanker</a>&nbsp;involved in an earlier crisis over America seizing oil targeted by international sanctions on the Islamic Republic's nuclear program.

It remained unclear how extensive the damage from the U.S. strikes were, though the Houthis said at least five sites, including airfields, had been attacked. The United Kingdom described its strikes hitting a site in Bani allegedly used by the Houthis to launch drones and an airfield in Abbs used to launch cruise missiles and drones.

Hussein al-Ezzi, a Houthi official in their Foreign Ministry, acknowledged “a massive aggressive attack by American and British ships, submarines and warplanes."

“America and Britain will undoubtedly have to prepare to pay a heavy price and bear all the dire consequences of this blatant aggression,” al-Ezzi wrote online.

Mohammed Abdul-Salam, the Houthis’ chief negotiator and spokesperson, separately described the U.S. and Britain as having “committed foolishness with this treacherous aggression.”

“They were wrong if they thought that they would deter Yemen from supporting Palestine and Gaza,” he wrote online. Houthi “targeting will continue to affect Israeli ships or those heading to the ports of occupied Palestine,” he wrote.

Since the attacks began in November, however, the Houthis have begun targeting vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade.

The Houthis' military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, in a recorded address, said 73 strikes hit five regions of Yemen under their control, killing five and wounding six. He did not elaborate on who was killed.

“The American and British enemy bears full responsibility for its criminal aggression against our Yemeni people, and it will not go unanswered and unpunished,” Saree said.

In Saada, the Houthis' stronghold in northwest Yemen, hundreds gathered for a rally Friday. The crowd shouted at times the Houthi slogan: “God is the greatest; death to America; death to Israel; curse the Jews; victory to Islam.”

That war began when the Houthis swept into the capital, Sanaa, in 2014. A Saudi-led coalition including the United Arab Emirates launched a war to back Yemen's exiled government in 2015, quickly morphing the conflict into a regional confrontation as Iran backed the Houthis with weapons and other support.

That war, however, has slowed as the Houthis maintain their grip on the territory they hold. The UAE even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-israel-dubai-united-arab-emirates-abu-dhabi-d37770c718713461a4dc2592e1d291b6">came under Houthi missile fire</a>&nbsp;multiple times in 2022. After the Emirates left the war, Saudi Arabia reached a Chinese-mediated deal with Iran to ease tensions in hopes of finally withdrawing from the war.

“While the kingdom stresses the importance of preserving the security and stability of the Red Sea region, ... it calls for restraint and avoiding escalation,” its Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Iran, which has supplied weapons and aid to the Houthis, condemned the attack in a statement from Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani.

The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, also backed by Iran and engaged in cross-border fire with Israel, criticized the strikes as showing America as being a "full partner in catastrophes and massacres committed by the Zionist entity in Gaza.” Hamas as well condemned the attack.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning called on nations not to escalate tensions in the Red Sea, asking all countries and parties to exercise restraint.

“We hope that all parties concerned will play a constructive and responsible role in the security and stability of the Red Sea region, which is in the common interest of the international community,” she said.

The Red Sea route is also crucial for energy shipments. Benchmark Brent crude traded up some 2.5% Friday at over $79 a barrel.

“Iran’s actions are contrary to international law and threaten maritime security and stability,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, the head of the Navy's Mideast-based 5th Fleet.

The Pacific Gold is managed by Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping, a company that is ultimately controlled by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer. Eastern Pacific, as well as naval officials in India and Sri Lanka, had not responded to multiple requests for comment from The Associated Press over the attack. Eastern Pacific previously has been targeted in suspected Iranian attacks.

A private security official previously acknowledged to the AP that the attack took place. The attack had been first reported by the Lebanese broadcaster Al-Mayadeen, a channel politically affiliated with Hezbollah that has previously announced other Iran-linked attacks in the region. Iran itself has not acknowledged carrying out the attack.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. and British militaries bombed more than a dozen sites used by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen on Thursday, in a massive retaliatory strike using warship- and submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets, U.S. officials said. The military targets included logistical hubs, air defense systems and weapons storage and launching locations, they said.

President Joe Biden said the strikes were meant to demonstrate that the U.S. and its allies “will not tolerate” the militant group’s ceaseless attacks on the Red Sea. And he said they only made the move after attempts at diplomatic negotiations and careful deliberation.

“These strikes are in direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea — including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time in history,” Biden said in a statement. He noted the attacks endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners and jeopardized trade, and he added, “I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary.”

Associated Press journalists in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, heard four explosions early Friday local time. Two residents of Hodieda, Amin Ali Saleh and Hani Ahmed, said they heard five strong explosions hitting the western port area of the city, which lies on the Red Sea and is the largest port city controlled by the Houthis. Explosions also were heard by residents of Taiz, a southwestern city near the Red Sea.

The strikes marked the first U.S. military response to what has been a persistent campaign of drone and missile attacks on commercial ships since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. And the coordinated military assault comes just a week after the White House and a host of partner nations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-israel-hamas-houthis-red-sea-fef8d446852b6eae33d38ffd8f6b2d64">issued a final warning</a>&nbsp;to the Houthis to cease the attacks or face potential military action. The officials described the strikes on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations. Members of Congress were briefed earlier Thursday on the strike plans.

In a call with reporters, senior administration and military officials said that after the Tuesday attacks, Biden convened his national security team and was presented with military options for a response. He then directed Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to carry out the retaliatory strikes.

In a separate statement, U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the Royal Air Force carried out targeted strikes against military facilities used by the Houthis. The Defense Ministry said four fighter jets based in Cyprus took part in the strikes.

Noting the militants have carried out a series of dangerous attacks on shipping, he added, “This cannot stand. He said the U.K. took “limited, necessary and proportionate action in self-defense, alongside the United States with non-operational support from the Netherlands, Canada and Bahrain against targets tied to these attacks, to degrade Houthi military capabilities and protect global shipping.”

And the governments of Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand and South Korea joined the U.S. and U.K. in issuing a statement saying that while the aim is to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea, the allies won't hesitate to defend lives and protect commerce in the critical waterway.

The rebels, who have carried out 27 attacks involving dozens of drones and missiles just since Nov. 19, had warned that any attack by American forces on its sites in Yemen will spark a fierce military response.

A high-ranking Houthi official, Ali al-Qahoum, vowed there would be retaliation. “The battle will be bigger…. and beyond the imagination and expectation of the Americans and the British," he said in a post on X.

Al-Masirah, a Houthi-run satellite news channel, described strikes hitting the Al-Dailami Air Base north of Sanaa, the airport in the port city of the Hodeida, a camp east of Saada, the airport in the city of Taiz and an airport near Hajjah. And eyewitnesses who spoke with The Associated Press said they saw strikes in four areas, including Dhamar, Hodeida, Sanaa and Taiz.

The Houthis did not immediately offer any damage or casualty information.

A senior administration official said that while the U.S. expects the strikes will degrade the Houthi's capabilities, “we would not be surprised to see some sort of response,” although they haven't seen anything yet.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704853180043.png" alt="USS Eisenhower (CVN 69) conducts flight operations, photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>USS Eisenhower (CVN 69) conducts flight operations, photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-biden-retaliation-attacks-0804b93372cd5e874a0dd03513fe36a2">U.S.-led airstrikes</a>&nbsp;on Yemen's Houthi rebels in response to their attacks on Red Sea shipping pulled the world's focus Friday back on the yearslong war raging there, even as tensions rise across a Middle East already torn by Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.The strikes killed at least five people and wounded six, the Houthis said, without elaborating on what was targeted.As the bombing lit the predawn sky over multiple sites held by the Iranian-backed rebels, Saudi Arabia quickly sought to distance itself from the attacks as it seeks to maintain a delicate détente with Iran and a cease-fire in the Yemen war from which it hopes to finally withdraw.The attack also threatened to ignite a regional conflict over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's war on Hamas</a>, which the Biden administration and its allies have been trying to calm for weeks.Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy acknowledged an attack days earlier on a ship in the far reaches of the Indian Ocean — an attack that may signal Iran's willingness to strike vessels as part of a wider maritime campaign over the Israel-Hamas conflict. Tehran on Thursday separately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/persian-gulf-oman-strait-hormuz-3a906e909be2ce63c87c1b208ed05baa">seized another tanker</a>&nbsp;involved in an earlier crisis over America seizing oil targeted by international sanctions on the Islamic Republic's nuclear program.It remained unclear how extensive the damage from the U.S. strikes were, though the Houthis said at least five sites, including airfields, had been attacked. The United Kingdom described its strikes hitting a site in Bani allegedly used by the Houthis to launch drones and an airfield in Abbs used to launch cruise missiles and drones.Hussein al-Ezzi, a Houthi official in their Foreign Ministry, acknowledged “a massive aggressive attack by American and British ships, submarines and warplanes."“America and Britain will undoubtedly have to prepare to pay a heavy price and bear all the dire consequences of this blatant aggression,” al-Ezzi wrote online.Mohammed Abdul-Salam, the Houthis’ chief negotiator and spokesperson, separately described the U.S. and Britain as having “committed foolishness with this treacherous aggression.”“They were wrong if they thought that they would deter Yemen from supporting Palestine and Gaza,” he wrote online. Houthi “targeting will continue to affect Israeli ships or those heading to the ports of occupied Palestine,” he wrote.Since the attacks began in November, however, the Houthis have begun targeting vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade.The Houthis' military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, in a recorded address, said 73 strikes hit five regions of Yemen under their control, killing five and wounding six. He did not elaborate on who was killed.“The American and British enemy bears full responsibility for its criminal aggression against our Yemeni people, and it will not go unanswered and unpunished,” Saree said.In Saada, the Houthis' stronghold in northwest Yemen, hundreds gathered for a rally Friday. The crowd shouted at times the Houthi slogan: “God is the greatest; death to America; death to Israel; curse the Jews; victory to Islam.”Yemen has been targeted by U.S. military action over the last four American presidencies. A campaign of drone strikes began under President George W. Bush to target the local affiliate of al-Qaida, attacks that have continued under the Biden administration. Meanwhile, the U.S. has launched raids and other military operations amid the ongoing war in Yemen.That war began when the Houthis swept into the capital, Sanaa, in 2014. A Saudi-led coalition including the United Arab Emirates launched a war to back Yemen's exiled government in 2015, quickly morphing the conflict into a regional confrontation as Iran backed the Houthis with weapons and other support.That war, however, has slowed as the Houthis maintain their grip on the territory they hold. The UAE even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-israel-dubai-united-arab-emirates-abu-dhabi-d37770c718713461a4dc2592e1d291b6">came under Houthi missile fire</a>&nbsp;multiple times in 2022. After the Emirates left the war, Saudi Arabia reached a Chinese-mediated deal with Iran to ease tensions in hopes of finally withdrawing from the war.However, an overall deal has yet to be reached, likely sparking Saudi Arabia's expression Friday of “great concern” over the airstrikes.“While the kingdom stresses the importance of preserving the security and stability of the Red Sea region, ... it calls for restraint and avoiding escalation,” its Foreign Ministry said in a statement.Iran, which has supplied weapons and aid to the Houthis, condemned the attack in a statement from Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani.“Arbitrary attacks will have no result other than fueling insecurity and instability in the region," he said.The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, also backed by Iran and engaged in cross-border fire with Israel, criticized the strikes as showing America as being a "full partner in catastrophes and massacres committed by the Zionist entity in Gaza.” Hamas as well condemned the attack.In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning called on nations not to escalate tensions in the Red Sea, asking all countries and parties to exercise restraint.“We hope that all parties concerned will play a constructive and responsible role in the security and stability of the Red Sea region, which is in the common interest of the international community,” she said.The Red Sea route is also crucial for energy shipments. Benchmark Brent crude traded up some 2.5% Friday at over $79 a barrel.Meanwhile Friday, the U.S. Navy confirmed an attack days earlier near the coasts of India and Sri Lanka. The chemical tanker Pacific Gold was struck Jan. 4 by what the Navy called “an Iranian one-way attack” drone, causing some damage to the vessel but no injuries.“Iran’s actions are contrary to international law and threaten maritime security and stability,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, the head of the Navy's Mideast-based 5th Fleet.The Pacific Gold is managed by Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping, a company that is ultimately controlled by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer. Eastern Pacific, as well as naval officials in India and Sri Lanka, had not responded to multiple requests for comment from The Associated Press over the attack. Eastern Pacific previously has been targeted in suspected Iranian attacks.A private security official previously acknowledged to the AP that the attack took place. The attack had been first reported by the Lebanese broadcaster Al-Mayadeen, a channel politically affiliated with Hezbollah that has previously announced other Iran-linked attacks in the region. Iran itself has not acknowledged carrying out the attack.WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. and British militaries bombed more than a dozen sites used by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen on Thursday, in a massive retaliatory strike using warship- and submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets, U.S. officials said. The military targets included logistical hubs, air defense systems and weapons storage and launching locations, they said.President Joe Biden said the strikes were meant to demonstrate that the U.S. and its allies “will not tolerate” the militant group’s ceaseless attacks on the Red Sea. And he said they only made the move after attempts at diplomatic negotiations and careful deliberation.“These strikes are in direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea — including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time in history,” Biden said in a statement. He noted the attacks endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners and jeopardized trade, and he added, “I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary.”Associated Press journalists in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, heard four explosions early Friday local time. Two residents of Hodieda, Amin Ali Saleh and Hani Ahmed, said they heard five strong explosions hitting the western port area of the city, which lies on the Red Sea and is the largest port city controlled by the Houthis. Explosions also were heard by residents of Taiz, a southwestern city near the Red Sea.The strikes marked the first U.S. military response to what has been a persistent campaign of drone and missile attacks on commercial ships since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. And the coordinated military assault comes just a week after the White House and a host of partner nations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-israel-hamas-houthis-red-sea-fef8d446852b6eae33d38ffd8f6b2d64">issued a final warning</a>&nbsp;to the Houthis to cease the attacks or face potential military action. The officials described the strikes on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations. Members of Congress were briefed earlier Thursday on the strike plans.The warning appeared to have had at least some short-lived impact, as attacks stopped for several days. On Tuesday, however, the Houthi rebels fired their largest-ever barrage of drones and missiles&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-shipping-houthi-attacks-drones-missiles-1acc4ca5ebcaf6fee932a2061d451f59">targeting shipping in the Red Sea</a>, with U.S. and British ships and American fighter jets responding by shooting down 18 drones, two cruise missiles and an anti-ship missile. And on Thursday, the Houthis fired an anti-ship ballistic missile into the Gulf of Aden, which was seen by a commercial ship but did not hit the ship.In a call with reporters, senior administration and military officials said that after the Tuesday attacks, Biden convened his national security team and was presented with military options for a response. He then directed Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to carry out the retaliatory strikes.In a separate statement, U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the Royal Air Force carried out targeted strikes against military facilities used by the Houthis. The Defense Ministry said four fighter jets based in Cyprus took part in the strikes.Noting the militants have carried out a series of dangerous attacks on shipping, he added, “This cannot stand. He said the U.K. took “limited, necessary and proportionate action in self-defense, alongside the United States with non-operational support from the Netherlands, Canada and Bahrain against targets tied to these attacks, to degrade Houthi military capabilities and protect global shipping.”And the governments of Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand and South Korea joined the U.S. and U.K. in issuing a statement saying that while the aim is to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea, the allies won't hesitate to defend lives and protect commerce in the critical waterway.The rebels, who have carried out 27 attacks involving dozens of drones and missiles just since Nov. 19, had warned that any attack by American forces on its sites in Yemen will spark a fierce military response.A high-ranking Houthi official, Ali al-Qahoum, vowed there would be retaliation. “The battle will be bigger…. and beyond the imagination and expectation of the Americans and the British," he said in a post on X.Al-Masirah, a Houthi-run satellite news channel, described strikes hitting the Al-Dailami Air Base north of Sanaa, the airport in the port city of the Hodeida, a camp east of Saada, the airport in the city of Taiz and an airport near Hajjah. And eyewitnesses who spoke with The Associated Press said they saw strikes in four areas, including Dhamar, Hodeida, Sanaa and Taiz.The Houthis did not immediately offer any damage or casualty information.A senior administration official said that while the U.S. expects the strikes will degrade the Houthi's capabilities, “we would not be surprised to see some sort of response,” although they haven't seen anything yet.The Houthis say their assaults are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/israel-hamas-war-yemen-red-sea-rebellions-and-uprisings-yemen-government-35148e6fbef64ec8b6fa074d4da2551c">aimed at stopping Israel’s war on Hamas</a>&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip. But their targets increasingly have little or no connection to Israel and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-yemen-houthis-attack-ships-f67d941c260528ac40315ecab4c34ca3">imperil a crucial trade route</a>&nbsp;linking Asia and the Middle East with Europe.Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution Wednesday that demanded the Houthis immediately cease the attacks and implicitly condemned their weapons supplier, Iran. It was approved by a vote of 11-0 with four abstentions — by Russia, China, Algeria and Mozambique.Britain’s participation in the strikes underscored the Biden administration’s effort to use a broad international coalition to battle the Houthis, rather than appear to be going it alone. More than 20 nations are already participating in a U.S.-led maritime mission to increase ship protection in the Red Sea.U.S. officials for weeks had declined to signal when international patience would run out and they would strike back at the Houthis, even as multiple commercial vessels were struck by missiles and drones, prompting companies to look at rerouting their ships.On Wednesday, however, U.S. officials again warned of consequences.“I’m not going to telegraph or preview anything that might happen,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters during a stop in Bahrain. He said the U.S. has made clear “that if this continues as it did yesterday, there will be consequences. And I’m going to leave it at that.”The Biden administration’s reluctance over the past several months to retaliate reflected political sensitivities and stemmed largely from broader worries about upending the shaky truce in Yemen and triggering a wider conflict in the region. The White House wants to preserve the truce and has been wary of taking action in Yemen that could open up another war front.The impact on international shipping and the escalating attacks, however, triggered the coalition warning, which was signed by the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom. Separately, the U.S. called on the United Nations Security Council to take action against the Houthis and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-un-yemen-houthis-shipping-red-sea-08d42a18873ce55979c755ea1a9cc1b5">warned their financier Iran</a>&nbsp;that it has a choice to make about continuing to provide support to the rebels.Transit through the Red Sea, from the Suez Canal to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, is a crucial shipping lane for global commerce. About 12% of the world’s trade typically passes through the waterway that separates Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, including oil, natural gas, grain and everything from toys to electronics.In response to the attacks, the U.S. created a new maritime security mission, dubbed Operation Prosperity Guardian, to increase security in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden, with about 22 countries are participating. U.S. warships, and those from other nations, have been routinely sailing back and forth through the narrow strait to provide protection for ships and to deter attacks. The coalition has also ramped up airborne surveillance.The decision to set up the expanded patrol operation came after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-houthi-yemen-ships-attack-israel-hamas-war-gaza-strip-716770f0a780160e9abed98d3c48fbde">three commercial vessels were struck by missiles</a>&nbsp;fired by Houthis in Yemen on Dec. 3.The Pentagon increased its military presence in the region after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in Israel to deter Iran from widening the war into a regional conflict, including by the Houthis and Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria.

US-led strikes in Yemen killed 5 and wounded 6, raising Mideast tensions

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/10/sen-riepe-introduces-measure-to-allow-abortions-after-12-weeks-for-fetal-anomalies/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — One year after a knock-down, drag-out fight over abortion, the Nebraska Legislature will be confronted with another controversial topic surrounding reproductive rights.

State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston, who helped&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/15/proposed-12-week-abortion-cutoff-hits-sooner-than-riepes-with-no-exception-for-fetal-anomalies/">broker a compromise</a>&nbsp;last year that led to passage of a stricter, 12-week ban on abortion, introduced a bill Wednesday that would allow the procedure in cases where fetal anomalies would “result in the death of a preborn child upon birth or inevitably thereafter.”

Riepe called his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Intro/LB1109.pdf">Legislative Bill 1109</a>&nbsp;a “clean-up bill” that makes the 12-week ban “more reasonable and respectable.” It would avoid a case like one in Texas, he said, where an expectant mother who needed an emergency abortion due to a fatal condition of her fetus had to go to another state to get it.

While Riepe said his bill will “face resistance” in the conservative Unicameral, he feels that it could reduce support for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/15/nebraska-abortion-rights-petition-language-aims-for-viability-standard/">a ballot initiative</a>&nbsp;in Nebraska that, if passed by voters, would permit an abortion until a fetus becomes viable outside the womb, which occurs at about 23 weeks.

“I believe the best defense is the best offense,” Riepe said. “I want this (current law) to look a little more attractive when people go to sign the petition or vote for it.”

Under LB 1109, a physician who performs an abortion would have to provide a written report on the nature of the anomaly and the names of two doctors who diagnosed it.

Immediate reaction was less than supportive.

Sandy Danek of Nebraska Right to Life said she disagreed that adding fetal anomaly exceptions to the 12-ban would make the state’s law more reasonable or thwart the ballot initiative.

Danek pointed out that a year ago, the New York Times reported that non-invasive tests for fetal anomalies were inaccurate 85% of the time.

“Why would we want to put families through an invasive procedure that takes the life of a child when it’s so uncertain that this child indeed has this anomaly?” she said.

Marion Miner of the Nebraska Catholic Conference said that babies who receive a prenatal diagnosis deserve the “same dignity” as other babies, “and not simply abandoned to abortion.”

Andi Curry Grubb of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska said Riepe’s proposal makes “black-and-white” medical decisions that doctors last year testified had to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

“Ultimately, people need to be able to make these decisions themselves without the government interfering,” Curry Grubb said.

The bill faces an uncertain fate in the Legislature. To pass, it would require many opponents of abortion rights to support a measure that expands the procedure.

Riepe, a former hospital administrator, was a key player in the passage of the 12-week ban a year ago.

He had declined to provide the necessary 33rd vote to end debate and allow advancement of a proposed “heartbeat” abortion bill. But his opposition helped prompt a compromise that had the votes to pass — a ban on abortion after 12 weeks of gestation.

As part of last year’s compromise, Riepe dropped out his proposed language to allow exceptions for fetal anomalies, which allowed physicians who perform abortions under those circumstances to avoid the possible loss of their medical license.

The senator pledged to keep pursuing such an exemption.

Riepe said he decided to introduce his bill this year, instead of later, because of the pending initiative petition drive that could inscribe abortion rights in the State Constitution, and to avoid a situation like that faced in Texas.

“There’s a difference between the elective abortion and the medically necessary abortion,” he said. “This has everyone thing to do with the necessary abortions of babies who are already lost.”

&nbsp;Fetal anomalies, Riepe added, are often not detected until after 12 weeks of gestation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704999362182.jpeg" alt="Andi Curry Grubb of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska speaks during the campaign kickoff for a signature-gathering drive to put abortion rights on the 2024 ballot in Nebraska. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Andi Curry Grubb of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska speaks during the campaign kickoff for a signature-gathering drive to put abortion rights on the 2024 ballot in Nebraska. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Paul Hammel<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/01/10/sen-riepe-introduces-measure-to-allow-abortions-after-12-weeks-for-fetal-anomalies/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — One year after a knock-down, drag-out fight over abortion, the Nebraska Legislature will be confronted with another controversial topic surrounding reproductive rights.State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston, who helped&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/05/15/proposed-12-week-abortion-cutoff-hits-sooner-than-riepes-with-no-exception-for-fetal-anomalies/">broker a compromise</a>&nbsp;last year that led to passage of a stricter, 12-week ban on abortion, introduced a bill Wednesday that would allow the procedure in cases where fetal anomalies would “result in the death of a preborn child upon birth or inevitably thereafter.”Riepe called his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Intro/LB1109.pdf">Legislative Bill 1109</a>&nbsp;a “clean-up bill” that makes the 12-week ban “more reasonable and respectable.” It would avoid a case like one in Texas, he said, where an expectant mother who needed an emergency abortion due to a fatal condition of her fetus had to go to another state to get it.While Riepe said his bill will “face resistance” in the conservative Unicameral, he feels that it could reduce support for&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/15/nebraska-abortion-rights-petition-language-aims-for-viability-standard/">a ballot initiative</a>&nbsp;in Nebraska that, if passed by voters, would permit an abortion until a fetus becomes viable outside the womb, which occurs at about 23 weeks.“I believe the best defense is the best offense,” Riepe said. “I want this (current law) to look a little more attractive when people go to sign the petition or vote for it.”Under LB 1109, a physician who performs an abortion would have to provide a written report on the nature of the anomaly and the names of two doctors who diagnosed it.Immediate reaction was less than supportive.Sandy Danek of Nebraska Right to Life said she disagreed that adding fetal anomaly exceptions to the 12-ban would make the state’s law more reasonable or thwart the ballot initiative.Danek pointed out that a year ago, the New York Times reported that non-invasive tests for fetal anomalies were inaccurate 85% of the time.<h2>Babies deserve ‘same dignity’</h2>“Why would we want to put families through an invasive procedure that takes the life of a child when it’s so uncertain that this child indeed has this anomaly?” she said.Marion Miner of the Nebraska Catholic Conference said that babies who receive a prenatal diagnosis deserve the “same dignity” as other babies, “and not simply abandoned to abortion.”Andi Curry Grubb of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska said Riepe’s proposal makes “black-and-white” medical decisions that doctors last year testified had to be considered on a case-by-case basis.“Ultimately, people need to be able to make these decisions themselves without the government interfering,” Curry Grubb said.<h2>Uncertain fate</h2>The bill faces an uncertain fate in the Legislature. To pass, it would require many opponents of abortion rights to support a measure that expands the procedure.Riepe, a former hospital administrator, was a key player in the passage of the 12-week ban a year ago.He had declined to provide the necessary 33rd vote to end debate and allow advancement of a proposed “heartbeat” abortion bill. But his opposition helped prompt a compromise that had the votes to pass — a ban on abortion after 12 weeks of gestation.<h2>Anomaly exemption dropped last year</h2>As part of last year’s compromise, Riepe dropped out his proposed language to allow exceptions for fetal anomalies, which allowed physicians who perform abortions under those circumstances to avoid the possible loss of their medical license.The senator pledged to keep pursuing such an exemption.Riepe said he decided to introduce his bill this year, instead of later, because of the pending initiative petition drive that could inscribe abortion rights in the State Constitution, and to avoid a situation like that faced in Texas.“There’s a difference between the elective abortion and the medically necessary abortion,” he said. “This has everyone thing to do with the necessary abortions of babies who are already lost.”&nbsp;Fetal anomalies, Riepe added, are often not detected until after 12 weeks of gestation.

Sen. Riepe introduces measure to allow abortions after 12 weeks for fetal anomalies

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– This morning, Governor Jim Pillen and Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert announced two major investments in North Omaha. The State has awarded $89.2 million to the Omaha Economic Development Corporation to create a business park near Eppley Airfield. The State has also awarded $35 million to the City of Omaha to construct a multipurpose community center at Levi Carter Park, which overlooks Carter Lake in east Omaha. They were joined in today’s announcement by Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) Director K.C. Belitz, Omaha Chamber of Commerce CEO Heath Mello, Omaha Economic Development Corporation President Michael Maroney and Burlington Capital Vice President George Achola.&nbsp;

“Omaha has developed into a dynamic hub of industry here in the Heartland, and today’s investments are going to accelerate its growth, especially in the North Omaha community,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “The amazing success of our state’s largest city is attracting entrepreneurs, professional talent, and young families to Nebraska. As people and businesses flock to Omaha, we’re investing in first-rate community amenities and industrial sites to continue the metro’s strong momentum.”

During his remarks, Gov. Pillen praised local civic, business, and economic development leaders for their spirit of partnership and strong collaboration with state agencies. He also expressed the State’s support of the City of Omaha’s plans to establish an Inland Port Authority near the airport to coordinate public and private investments.

Mayor Stothert likewise applauded the cooperative approach that has helped Omaha thrive.

“These are important investments in North Omaha," said Mayor Stothert.&nbsp; “Together with our state and local partners, we will provide impactful and long-term opportunities for employment, development, and youth services.”&nbsp;

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– This morning, Governor Jim Pillen and Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert announced two major investments in North Omaha. The State has awarded $89.2 million to the Omaha Economic Development Corporation to create a business park near Eppley Airfield. The State has also awarded $35 million to the City of Omaha to construct a multipurpose community center at Levi Carter Park, which overlooks Carter Lake in east Omaha. They were joined in today’s announcement by Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) Director K.C. Belitz, Omaha Chamber of Commerce CEO Heath Mello, Omaha Economic Development Corporation President Michael Maroney and Burlington Capital Vice President George Achola.&nbsp;“Omaha has developed into a dynamic hub of industry here in the Heartland, and today’s investments are going to accelerate its growth, especially in the North Omaha community,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “The amazing success of our state’s largest city is attracting entrepreneurs, professional talent, and young families to Nebraska. As people and businesses flock to Omaha, we’re investing in first-rate community amenities and industrial sites to continue the metro’s strong momentum.”During his remarks, Gov. Pillen praised local civic, business, and economic development leaders for their spirit of partnership and strong collaboration with state agencies. He also expressed the State’s support of the City of Omaha’s plans to establish an Inland Port Authority near the airport to coordinate public and private investments.Mayor Stothert likewise applauded the cooperative approach that has helped Omaha thrive.“These are important investments in North Omaha," said Mayor Stothert.&nbsp; “Together with our state and local partners, we will provide impactful and long-term opportunities for employment, development, and youth services.”&nbsp;The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) awarded the $89.2 million grant to Omaha Economic Development Corporation through the Airport Business Park Program to fund site preparation of shovel-ready land for the proposed business park. &nbsp;The two-part project will consist of a site west of Carter Lake with land primarily devoted to industrial use and a site north of Carter Lake—connected to Levi Carter Park—with a mix of commercial and industrial uses. The project’s proximity to Eppley Airfield will make it highly attractive to aviation-related businesses, warehouse/logistics companies, and manufacturers looking for greater supply chain efficiencies. The project also creates stimulus for the development of retail and housing in the vicinity of the business park to benefit current and future workers in the area.DED awarded the $35 million grant to the City of Omaha through the Multipurpose Community Facilities Program. The City of Omaha will use the grant to construct a 90,000 square foot community facility that will serve all Omaha residents, particularly those in the northeast quadrant of the city. The facility will be owned by the City of Omaha and operated as a not-for-profit facility. The facility’s intended uses include:<ul>
 <li>Hosting after-school and out-of-school programming for youth. The facility will especially focus on youth sports to encourage pro-social behaviors and teach important life skills such as teamwork and cooperation.</li><li>Providing the public with access to computers and high-speed internet, especially for the purpose of searching for employment or to develop the requisite digital skills to become employed.</li><li>Enabling health monitoring. Patrons will be able to reserve rooms to conduct telemedicine appointments. The facility will also collaborate with local health providers to offer annual health screenings for youth who require physicals and desire to participate in youth sports.</li>
 </ul>The State’s investments in the Carter Lake area add to the tremendous activity taking place in North Omaha. The city’s vibrant economy has contributed to the rapid growth of both Douglas County and the State of Nebraska. On Dec. 7, 2023, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported that Douglas County was the fastest-growing large county (population of 500,000+) in the United States from 2021 to 2022, with GDP growth of 9.5%. On Dec. 7, 2023, the BEA reported that Nebraska had the third-highest state GDP growth in the nation for the third quarter of 2023 at 7.5%. &nbsp;The Nebraska Legislature authorized use of state funds for the Airport Business Park Program through LB 531 in 2023. The Multipurpose Community Facilities Program is an authorized use of federal funding from the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, which was designed to provide state governments with the resources needed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic effects and to build a stronger economy during recovery. Gov. Pillen expressed his appreciation to the Legislature for its work in creating the respective funding programs, in particular, the efforts of senators Justin Wayne and Terrell McKinney. He noted that additional announcements would be forthcoming relative to the North and South Omaha Recovery Grant (NSORG) awards.