In a riveting turn of events, New York’s iconic Times Square became a focal point for anti-war demonstrators on Thursday night as they gathered to voice their opposition to the US military airstrikes in Yemen.
The protest unfolded shortly after President Joe Biden confirmed the commencement of airstrikes in response to escalating attacks by the Houthi rebels on ships in the Red Sea.
The coordinated strikes, involving the US, UK, and other allied nations, were prompted by American officials warning of ‘consequences’ if the Iranian-backed rebels continued their targeting of ships. As the bombings began, Times Square transformed into a site of anti-war resistance, with protesters demanding the withdrawal of the US from the Middle East.
The demonstrators, carrying Palestine flags and placards, passionately chanted slogans such as ‘US out of the Middle East.’ Tensions escalated, leading to at least one person being detained by the police. The protestors decried the US airstrikes on Yemen and called for an end to all aid to Israel.
The airstrikes, reportedly targeting around a dozen sites, were executed as a response to the Houthi’s increasing violence against ships in the Red Sea.
The Houthi rebels claim that their attacks are intended to aid in stopping Israel’s war on Gaza. However, the targets of their attacks appear to be increasingly random.
Protesters marched from Times Square to Columbus Circle, chanting, ‘It is right to rebel, US UK go to hell,’ and ‘We want justice, you say “How?” Stop bombing Yemen now!’ A demonstrator with a megaphone addressed the crowd, accusing the military campaign of serving ‘capital gains’ and revealing the ‘true face of Zionism and imperialism.’
Prior to the airstrikes, terrorist groups in the region had warned of retaliatory actions against US military bases if the bombardment occurred. President Biden justified the attacks, stating they were a response to ‘unprecedented’ sieges on military vessels.
The Houthi’s response condemned the US and UK’s ‘brutal aggression,’ vowing to make the nations pay. With fears of an escalation leading to an all-out war in the region, the situation in Yemen remains highly volatile and a cause for global concern.
