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<p>More than two months after Yemen's Houthi rebels captured the Galaxy Leader cargo ship and detained its crew, the Iran-backed rebels have turned the vessel into a domestic "tourist attraction".&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>For about a dollar per trip, male-only groups of visitors can board wooden boats five times a week to the hijacked car carrier, which the&nbsp;Houthis&nbsp;hail as a trophy in their fight in solidarity with the Palestinians.</p>

<p>Since shortly after the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza broke out on October 7, the&nbsp;Houthis&nbsp;have launched a spate of missile and drone attacks on passing commercial ships which they say are linked to Israel.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-live-updates-biden-vows-to-respond-after-drone-attack-kills-3-us-troops-japan-suspends-aid-to-unrwa-684658">Click here to follow all updates on the Middle East crisis</a></strong></p>

<p>A US-led naval coalition has responded by patrolling the Red Sea, and US and British forces have struck military sites of the&nbsp;Houthis, now designated a "global terrorist" group by Washington, to keep open the vital shipping lane.</p>

<p>This has done little to dampen the mood on the sightseeing trips to the seized vessel, which is now decorated with Yemeni and Palestinian flags and banners displaying anti-American and anti-Israel slogans.</p>

<p>On a recent visit, Zubair al-Haidari, from the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa, said he had travelled for five hours to see the "Israeli ship" anchored off Hodeida on the Red Sea coast.</p>

<p>It is our "pride and honour... that our armed forces have accomplished this wonderful work in supporting our oppressed brothers in Palestine and in Gaza," he told AFP.</p>

<p>He was among some 10 visitors taking pictures with their mobile phones as they chewed 'khat', a plant that generates a mild high and is widely consumed in the Arabian peninsula's poorest country.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-presses-iran-to-rein-in-houthi-attacks-in-red-sea-sources-say-683793">China presses Iran to rein in Houthi attacks in Red Sea, sources say</a></strong></p>

<p>On board the ship, some visitors performed a traditional dance featuring the daggers that many Yemenis carry tucked into their belts, accompanied by chants glorifying the&nbsp;Houthis.</p>

<p>On the deck of the Galaxy Leader, none of the visitors interviewed by AFP said they had seen the 25 crew members who are Bulgarian, Filipino, Ukrainian and Mexican and whose fate remains unknown.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Source of pride'</strong></h2>

<p>The Galaxy Leader is owned by a British company, which is in turn owned by an Israeli businessman.</p>

<p>It had been chartered by a Japanese company when it was captured on November 19 by the&nbsp;Houthis, who said they were acting in "solidarity" with people in the besieged Gaza Strip.</p>

<p>Israel's military campaign was sparked by Hamas'&nbsp;October 7 attack, which resulted in about 1,140 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures. Militants also seized around 250 hostages.</p>

<p>Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas and Gaza's health ministry claims the military offensive has killed at least 26,257 people, about 70 per cent of them women and children.</p>

<p>Amid the Gaza war, the&nbsp;Houthis&nbsp;have launched numerous attacks against shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, threatening an essential global trade route.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hizam al-Assad, of the Houthi political bureau, referred to the Galaxy Leader as a "tourist attraction" and said the visitors were "proof that the Yemeni people... are impatient to meet the enemy and confront him".</p>

<p>Another visitor, Hamada al-Baydani, said he had travelled 400 kilometres (250 miles) from Al-Bayda, to see the seized ship, which he labelled "a source of pride for Yemenis". &nbsp;</p>

<p>Several days after detaining the vessel, the&nbsp;Houthis&nbsp;published a video showing a military general welcoming a group they said was the crew, but the militants have not provided any information on their fate since.</p>

<p>After an hour on board under the scorching sun, the visitors made their way back home, chanting "God is the greatest, death to America, death to Israel".</p>


More than two months after Yemen's Houthi rebels captured the Galaxy Leader cargo ship and detained its crew, the Iran-backed rebels have turned the vessel into a domestic "tourist attraction".

More than two months after Yemen's Houthi rebels captured the Galaxy Leader cargo ship and detained its crew, the Iran-backed rebels have turned the vessel into a domestic "tourist attraction". For about a dollar per trip, male-only groups of visitors can board wooden boats five times a week to the hijacked car carrier, which the Houthis hail as a trophy in their fight in solidarity with the Palestinians. Since shortly after the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza broke out on October 7, the Houthis have launched a spate of missile and drone attacks on passing commercial ships which they say are linked to Israel. Click here to follow all updates on the Middle East crisis A US-led naval coalition has responded by patrolling the Red Sea, and US and British forces have struck military sites of the Houthis, now designated a "global terrorist" group by Washington, to keep open the vital shipping lane. This has done little to dampen the mood on the sightseeing trips to the seized vessel, which is now decorated with Yemeni and Palestinian flags and banners displaying anti-American and anti-Israel slogans. On a recent visit, Zubair al-Haidari, from the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa, said he had travelled for five hours to see the "Israeli ship" anchored off Hodeida on the Red Sea coast. It is our "pride and honour... that our armed forces have accomplished this wonderful work in supporting our oppressed brothers in Palestine and in Gaza," he told AFP. He was among some 10 visitors taking pictures with their mobile phones as they chewed 'khat', a plant that generates a mild high and is widely consumed in the Arabian peninsula's poorest country. Also read | China presses Iran to rein in Houthi attacks in Red Sea, sources say On board the ship, some visitors performed a traditional dance featuring the daggers that many Yemenis carry tucked into their belts, accompanied by chants glorifying the Houthis. On the deck of the Galaxy Leader, none of the visitors interviewed by AFP said they had seen the 25 crew members who are Bulgarian, Filipino, Ukrainian and Mexican and whose fate remains unknown. 'Source of pride' The Galaxy Leader is owned by a British company, which is in turn owned by an Israeli businessman. It had been chartered by a Japanese company when it was captured on November 19 by the Houthis, who said they were acting in "solidarity" with people in the besieged Gaza Strip. Israel's military campaign was sparked by Hamas' October 7 attack, which resulted in about 1,140 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures. Militants also seized around 250 hostages. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas and Gaza's health ministry claims the military offensive has killed at least 26,257 people, about 70 per cent of them women and children. Amid the Gaza war, the Houthis have launched numerous attacks against shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, threatening an essential global trade route. Hizam al-Assad, of the Houthi political bureau, referred to the Galaxy Leader as a "tourist attraction" and said the visitors were "proof that the Yemeni people... are impatient to meet the enemy and confront him". Another visitor, Hamada al-Baydani, said he had travelled 400 kilometres (250 miles) from Al-Bayda, to see the seized ship, which he labelled "a source of pride for Yemenis". Several days after detaining the vessel, the Houthis published a video showing a military general welcoming a group they said was the crew, but the militants have not provided any information on their fate since. After an hour on board under the scorching sun, the visitors made their way back home, chanting "God is the greatest, death to America, death to Israel".

Yemen’s Houthi rebels open seized cargo ship to sightseers

Israeli forces exchange fire with Lebanese militant group. IDF releases video claims hits on Hezbollah posts along border. Hezbollah hit Israeli naval post along the border. Watch to know more!

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Yemen's Houthi rebels open seized cargo ship to sightseers | Red Sea Crisis | Israel-Hamas war

<p>A Russian warship conducted an anti-submarine exercise in the South China Sea, the news agency Reuters reported on Monday (Jan 29) citing Russian media. After detecting a mock enemy submarine and confirming its coordinates, the Pacific Fleet frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov fired torpedoes and depth charges - anti-submarine warfare weapons.</p>

<p>Reuters reported that a detachment of Russian Pacific Fleet warships, including the Varyag cruiser, and the Marshal Shaposhnikov frigate were on a long-distance voyage which included the Asia-Pacific region.</p>

<p>The ships had left the port of Vladivostok last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-to-develop-islands-in-disputed-south-china-sea-that-it-considers-part-of-territory-680243">Philippines to develop islands in disputed South China Sea that it considers part of territory</a></strong></p>

<p>In Oct last year, Russian Navy warships engaged in air defence exercises and practised locating simulated enemy submarines in the South China Sea. '</p>

<p>According to a report by the news agency TASS, the drills included critical maritime operations, including honing ship-based air defence techniques, executing simulated searches for adversary submarines, and fostering seamless cooperation with the proficient teams operating Ka-27 helicopters within the Pacific Fleet’s naval aviation division.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: A full-blown war in South China Sea in 2024?</strong></p>

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<p>The report said that the Russian Navy had been executing essential missions within the Asia-Pacific region as an integral component of the fleet’s rigorous combat training programme.</p>

<p>Over the past several months, the Russian Navy has bolstered its presence in the Pacific region, often in collaboration with China.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Russian warship conducted an anti-submarine exercise in the South China Sea, the news agency Reuters reported on Monday (Jan 29) citing Russian media. After detecting a mock enemy submarine and confirming its coordinates, the Pacific Fleet frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov fired torpedoes and depth charges - anti-submarine warfare weapons.

A Russian warship conducted an anti-submarine exercise in the South China Sea, the news agency Reuters reported on Monday (Jan 29) citing Russian media. After detecting a mock enemy submarine and confirming its coordinates, the Pacific Fleet frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov fired torpedoes and depth charges - anti-submarine warfare weapons. Reuters reported that a detachment of Russian Pacific Fleet warships, including the Varyag cruiser, and the Marshal Shaposhnikov frigate were on a long-distance voyage which included the Asia-Pacific region. The ships had left the port of Vladivostok last week. Also read | Philippines to develop islands in disputed South China Sea that it considers part of territory In Oct last year, Russian Navy warships engaged in air defence exercises and practised locating simulated enemy submarines in the South China Sea. ' According to a report by the news agency TASS, the drills included critical maritime operations, including honing ship-based air defence techniques, executing simulated searches for adversary submarines, and fostering seamless cooperation with the proficient teams operating Ka-27 helicopters within the Pacific Fleet’s naval aviation division. Also watch | Gravitas: A full-blown war in South China Sea in 2024? × The report said that the Russian Navy had been executing essential missions within the Asia-Pacific region as an integral component of the fleet’s rigorous combat training programme. Over the past several months, the Russian Navy has bolstered its presence in the Pacific region, often in collaboration with China. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian warship conducts anti-submarine exercise in South China Sea

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<p>British MP Kate Osamor has been suspended by the Labour Party after she released a statement on&nbsp;Holocaust Memorial Day, equating the genocide of Jews with the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip in the Israel-Hamas war,&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alan Campbell, the chief whip of the party announced Osamor's suspension while launching a probe into the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a social media post, Osamor, who previously served in Jeremy Corbyn's tenure as the shadow development secretary, said "Tomorrow is Holocaust Memorial Day, an international day to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, the millions of other people murdered under Nazi persecution of other groups and more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and now Gaza," she wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the post gained controversy and she was suspended by the party, Osamor released an apology "for&nbsp;any offence caused" by her statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Holocaust Memorial Day is a day to remember the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust and the genocides that have occurred since. I apologise for any offence caused by my reference to the ongoing humanitarian disaster in Gaza as part of that period of remembrance," she posted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Holocaust Memorial Day is a day to remember the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust and the genocides that have occurred since.<br />
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I apologise for any offence caused by my reference to the ongoing humanitarian disaster in Gaza as part of that period of remembrance.</p>
— Kate Osamor Labour &amp; Co-op MP for Edmonton (@KateOsamor) <a href="https://twitter.com/KateOsamor/status/1751016559940608329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>While&nbsp;Osamor has already been pulled by the chief whip to discuss her comments, she is due to meet other party officials again, later this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Quizzed if she would be disciplined,&nbsp;Jonathan Reynolds, the shadow business secretary, replied in affirmative.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“There will be those conversations, and I can tell you that they have already been scheduled for the week ahead. Of course, whenever we have a situation like this, we take it extremely seriously," Reynolds told <em>Sky News</em>.</p>

<p>“What is happening in Gaza is clearly a humanitarian catastrophe that is recognised. But there are specific reasons why the Holocaust is considered as it is. It’s important on Holocaust Remembrance Day to remember that," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/holocaust-remembrance-day-remembering-the-6-million-jews-killed-in-the-holocaust-447963"><strong>Watch | Holocaust Remembrance Day: Remembering the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is&nbsp;Holocaust Remembrance Day?</strong></h2>

<p>The United Nations General Assembly has designated January 27, the day when the&nbsp;Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp was liberated in 1945, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/holocaust-remembrance-day-why-is-it-observed-on-january-27-history-significance-and-all-you-need-to-know-684265"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Holocaust Remembrance Day: Why is it observed on January 27? History, significance and all you need to know</strong></a></p>

<p>The day intends to remember the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust as well as millions of other victims of Nazi persecution. It also reaffirms&nbsp;the commitment to counter antisemitism, racism, and other forms of intolerance that may lead to group-targeted violence.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


British MP Kate Osamor has been suspended by the Labour Party after she released a statement on Holocaust Memorial Day, equating the genocide of Jews with the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip in the Israel-Hamas war, Alan Campbell, the chief whip of the party announced Osamor's suspension while launching a probe into the matter.

British MP Kate Osamor has been suspended by the Labour Party after she released a statement on Holocaust Memorial Day, equating the genocide of Jews with the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip in the Israel-Hamas war, Alan Campbell, the chief whip of the party announced Osamor's suspension while launching a probe into the matter. In a social media post, Osamor, who previously served in Jeremy Corbyn's tenure as the shadow development secretary, said "Tomorrow is Holocaust Memorial Day, an international day to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, the millions of other people murdered under Nazi persecution of other groups and more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and now Gaza," she wrote. After the post gained controversy and she was suspended by the party, Osamor released an apology "for any offence caused" by her statement. "Holocaust Memorial Day is a day to remember the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust and the genocides that have occurred since. I apologise for any offence caused by my reference to the ongoing humanitarian disaster in Gaza as part of that period of remembrance," she posted. Holocaust Memorial Day is a day to remember the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust and the genocides that have occurred since. I apologise for any offence caused by my reference to the ongoing humanitarian disaster in Gaza as part of that period of remembrance. — Kate Osamor Labour & Co-op MP for Edmonton (@KateOsamor) January 26, 2024 × While Osamor has already been pulled by the chief whip to discuss her comments, she is due to meet other party officials again, later this week. Quizzed if she would be disciplined, Jonathan Reynolds, the shadow business secretary, replied in affirmative. “There will be those conversations, and I can tell you that they have already been scheduled for the week ahead. Of course, whenever we have a situation like this, we take it extremely seriously," Reynolds told Sky News. “What is happening in Gaza is clearly a humanitarian catastrophe that is recognised. But there are specific reasons why the Holocaust is considered as it is. It’s important on Holocaust Remembrance Day to remember that," he added. Watch | Holocaust Remembrance Day: Remembering the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust × What is Holocaust Remembrance Day? The United Nations General Assembly has designated January 27, the day when the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp was liberated in 1945, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Also read | Holocaust Remembrance Day: Why is it observed on January 27? History, significance and all you need to know The day intends to remember the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust as well as millions of other victims of Nazi persecution. It also reaffirms the commitment to counter antisemitism, racism, and other forms of intolerance that may lead to group-targeted violence. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Labour MP Kate Osamor suspended over Gaza remarks in Holocaust Memorial Day message

<p>Japan has declared its decision to align with a cohort of nations and the suspension of financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>This strategic move follows Israeli accusations that certain UNRWA personnel played a role in the October 7 attack orchestrated by Hamas.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-focus-on-paris-talks-to-broker-two-month-ceasefire-in-gaza-684627">Israel-Hamas war: Focus on Paris talks to broker two-month ceasefire in Gaza</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Japan suspends aid</strong></h2>

<p>On Sunday, Japan said it was "extremely concerned about the alleged involvement of UNRWA staff members in the terror attack on Israel on October 7 last year."</p>

<p>In a statement, the nation's foreign ministry said: "In response, Japan has decided to suspend additional funding to UNRWA for the time being while UNRWA conducts an investigation into the matter and considers measures to address the allegations."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;UNRWA fires staffers suspected of role in October 7 attack on Israel</strong></p>

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<p>"At the same time, Japan will continue to make persistent and active diplomatic efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and to calm down the situation as soon as possible by providing support to other international organizations," added the nation.</p>

<p>Leading contributors such as the United States and Germany have already halted their financial contributions to UNRWA, citing the gravity of the allegations.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>UNRWA fires staff</strong></h2>

<p>The UNRWA, which, as per the news agency AFP, is a pivotal player in Gaza's humanitarian landscape, swiftly responded to Israel's unspecified charges by terminating multiple staff members and committing to an exhaustive investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-agency-for-palestinians-slams-shocking-suspension-of-funds-by-several-western-countries-684412">UN agency for Palestinians slams ‘shocking’ suspension of funds by several Western countries</a></strong></p>

<p>Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, as per the report, has vowed to hold "accountable, including through criminal prosecution,"&nbsp;any employee found to have been involved in "acts of terror".&nbsp;</p>

<p>UN chief António Guterres has also promised an urgent independent review of UNRWA. He has also pleaded for donor states to "guarantee the continuity" of the agency for the sake of "the desperate populations" it serves.</p>

<p>Israel, however, has vowed to halt UNRWA's operations in Gaza in the aftermath of the conflict.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Japan has declared its decision to align with a cohort of nations and the suspension of financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Japan has declared its decision to align with a cohort of nations and the suspension of financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This strategic move follows Israeli accusations that certain UNRWA personnel played a role in the October 7 attack orchestrated by Hamas. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Focus on Paris talks to broker two-month ceasefire in Gaza Japan suspends aid On Sunday, Japan said it was "extremely concerned about the alleged involvement of UNRWA staff members in the terror attack on Israel on October 7 last year." In a statement, the nation's foreign ministry said: "In response, Japan has decided to suspend additional funding to UNRWA for the time being while UNRWA conducts an investigation into the matter and considers measures to address the allegations." Watch | UNRWA fires staffers suspected of role in October 7 attack on Israel × "At the same time, Japan will continue to make persistent and active diplomatic efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and to calm down the situation as soon as possible by providing support to other international organizations," added the nation. Leading contributors such as the United States and Germany have already halted their financial contributions to UNRWA, citing the gravity of the allegations. UNRWA fires staff The UNRWA, which, as per the news agency AFP, is a pivotal player in Gaza's humanitarian landscape, swiftly responded to Israel's unspecified charges by terminating multiple staff members and committing to an exhaustive investigation. Also read | UN agency for Palestinians slams ‘shocking’ suspension of funds by several Western countries Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, as per the report, has vowed to hold "accountable, including through criminal prosecution," any employee found to have been involved in "acts of terror". UN chief António Guterres has also promised an urgent independent review of UNRWA. He has also pleaded for donor states to "guarantee the continuity" of the agency for the sake of "the desperate populations" it serves. Israel, however, has vowed to halt UNRWA's operations in Gaza in the aftermath of the conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan suspends aid to UN agency in Gaza over staff involvement in Oct 7 terror attack on Israel

<p>A drone strike targeting a base in Jordan on Sunday (Jan 28) claimed the lives of three US troops.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the attack, United States President Joe Biden condemned the Iran-backed militant groups and vowed to hold the perpetrators to account.</p>

<p>"While we are still gathering the facts of this attack, we know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq," Biden said in a statement on the attack.</p>

<p>"We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism. And have no doubt -- we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing," he added.</p>

<p>The US president then called the three fallen service members “patriots,” praising their bravery and offering his grief, calling it a “despicable and wholly unjust attack.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Together, we will keep the sacred obligation we bear to their families. We will strive to be worthy of their honour and valour. We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism,” the president said.</p>

<p>The US Central Command said that the 25 people were injured from the attack near the Syrian border further adding that the identities of the ones killed will be withheld pending notification of their families. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-launches-three-satellites-into-space-as-tensions-grip-west-asia-684584">Iran launches three satellites into space as tensions grip West Asia</a></p>

<h2><strong>Deadly attack on US troops occurred in Syria, claims Jordan</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Jordan released a statement saying that the strike took place at an army base in Syria near the border and not in its territory as was reported by the United States earlier.</p>

<p>Government spokesman Muhannad Mubaidin said the "attack that targeted the American forces did not happen in Jordan... It targeted Al-Tanf base in Syria", where US forces are deployed as part of an international anti-jihadist coalition.</p>

<h2><strong>Hamas spokesman says drone strike 'a warning to American admin'</strong></h2>

<p>Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri released a statement saying that the killing of the soldiers "is a message to the American administration that unless the killing of innocent people in Gaza stops, it may be faced with the entire (Muslim) nation."</p>

<p>"The continuation of the American-Zionist aggression on Gaza risks a regional explosion," Abu Zuhri said in a statement.</p>

<p>This is the first time that American troops have been killed in the Middle East since the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas broke out.</p>

<p>The attack is being seen as a significant escalation of the already precarious situation in the Middle East. There have been more than 150 attacks on US and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria, but most were unsuccessful as they did not cause serious injury or damage to infrastructure. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Strikes against Houthis to continue,’ says Biden</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, Biden had said that the military strikes against the Houthis would continue as he said that the rebel group was still attacking vessels in the Red Sea.</p>

<p>"When you say 'working, are they stopping the Houthi?' No. Are they going to continue? Yes," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if the strikes were working.</p>

<p>Washington re-designated the Houthis as a "terrorist group" on Jan 17 and hit 14 Houthi missiles later the same day. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A drone strike targeting a base in Jordan on Sunday (Jan 28) claimed the lives of three US troops. After the attack, United States President Joe Biden condemned the Iran-backed militant groups and vowed to hold the perpetrators to account.

A drone strike targeting a base in Jordan on Sunday (Jan 28) claimed the lives of three US troops. After the attack, United States President Joe Biden condemned the Iran-backed militant groups and vowed to hold the perpetrators to account. "While we are still gathering the facts of this attack, we know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq," Biden said in a statement on the attack. "We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism. And have no doubt -- we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing," he added. The US president then called the three fallen service members “patriots,” praising their bravery and offering his grief, calling it a “despicable and wholly unjust attack.” “Together, we will keep the sacred obligation we bear to their families. We will strive to be worthy of their honour and valour. We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism,” the president said. The US Central Command said that the 25 people were injured from the attack near the Syrian border further adding that the identities of the ones killed will be withheld pending notification of their families. Also read: Iran launches three satellites into space as tensions grip West Asia Deadly attack on US troops occurred in Syria, claims Jordan Meanwhile, Jordan released a statement saying that the strike took place at an army base in Syria near the border and not in its territory as was reported by the United States earlier. Government spokesman Muhannad Mubaidin said the "attack that targeted the American forces did not happen in Jordan... It targeted Al-Tanf base in Syria", where US forces are deployed as part of an international anti-jihadist coalition. Hamas spokesman says drone strike 'a warning to American admin' Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri released a statement saying that the killing of the soldiers "is a message to the American administration that unless the killing of innocent people in Gaza stops, it may be faced with the entire (Muslim) nation." "The continuation of the American-Zionist aggression on Gaza risks a regional explosion," Abu Zuhri said in a statement. This is the first time that American troops have been killed in the Middle East since the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas broke out. The attack is being seen as a significant escalation of the already precarious situation in the Middle East. There have been more than 150 attacks on US and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria, but most were unsuccessful as they did not cause serious injury or damage to infrastructure. ‘Strikes against Houthis to continue,’ says Biden Earlier, Biden had said that the military strikes against the Houthis would continue as he said that the rebel group was still attacking vessels in the Red Sea. "When you say 'working, are they stopping the Houthi?' No. Are they going to continue? Yes," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked if the strikes were working. Washington re-designated the Houthis as a "terrorist group" on Jan 17 and hit 14 Houthi missiles later the same day. (With inputs from agencies)

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