World reacts to US, British strikes on Houthis in Yemen

Reactions included:

* RUSSIA'S FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESWOMAN MARIA ZAKHAROVA

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

- Zakharova said the strikes showed a "complete disregard for international law" and were "escalating the situation in the region".

- Russia also called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Friday to discuss the issue.

* PALESTINIAN MILITANT GROUP HAMAS

- Hamas said it strongly condemned the attack on Yemen.

- The US and Britain would bear responsibility for their attack's impacts on the security of the region, the group said in a statement.

* IRAN'S FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN NASSER KANNANI:

- "These attacks are a clear violation of Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity and a breach of international laws."

- "These attacks will only contribute to insecurity and instability in the region."

* IRAN-BACKED HEZBOLLAH GROUP IN A STATEMENT:

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

* SAUDI ARABIA'S FOREIGN MINISTRY IN A STATEMENT:

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

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

* DUTCH PRIME MINISTER MARK RUTTE

- "The US-British action is based on the right of self-defence, aims to protect free passage and is focused on de-escalation."

- "The Netherlands, with its long history as a sea-faring country, places significant importance on the right of free passage and supports this targeted operation."

* US SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADER MITCH MCCONNELL

- "I welcome the US and coalition operations against the Iran-backed Houthi terrorists responsible for violently disrupting international commerce in the Red Sea and attacking American vessels."

- "President Biden's decision to use military force against these Iranian proxies is overdue."

- "I am hopeful these operations mark an enduring shift in the Biden Administration's approach to Iran and its proxies."

* US SENATOR SUSAN COLLINS, REPUBLICAN, MAINE

- "Iran and its proxies must understand that repeated attacks on US troops and the disruption of critical sea lanes will not be tolerated."

- "The United States does not seek an escalation of violence in the region, but we must deter attacks on our troops, and the freedom of navigation that is essential for global trade must be restored."

* US REPRESENTATIVE GREGORY MEEKS, DEMOCRAT, NEW YORK

- "While I support these targeted, proportional military strikes, I call on the Biden Administration to continue its diplomatic efforts to avoid escalation to a broader regional war and continue to engage Congress on the details of its strategy and legal basis as required by law."

* US SENATOR ROGER WICKER, REPUBLICAN, MISSISSIPPI

- "This strike was two months overdue, but it is a good first step toward restoring deterrence in the Red Sea."

- "It is time to dispense with the hollow talk of 'joint resolutions' and 'maritime task forces'."

- "This strike should be a warning to the Houthis and other Iranian proxies that they will suffer catastrophic consequences from escalation in the region."

* US REPRESENTATIVE RO KHANNA, DEMOCRAT, CALIFORNIA

- "The president needs to come to Congress before launching a strike against the Houthis in Yemen and involving us in another Middle East conflict."

- "That is Article I of the Constitution - I will stand up for that regardless of whether a Democrat or Republican is in the White House."

* US REPRESENTATIVE VAL HOYLE, DEMOCRAT, OREGON

- "These air strikes have not been authorised by Congress."

- "The Constitution is clear: Congress has the sole authority to authorise military involvement in overseas conflicts."

- "Every president must first come to Congress and ask for military authorisation, regardless of party."

* US REPRESENTATIVE JASON CROW, DEMOCRAT, COLORADO

- "I would not support us being pulled into a broader war."

* US REPRESENTATIVE MARK POCAN, DEMOCRAT, WISCONSIN

- "The United States cannot risk getting entangled into another decades-long conflict without Congressional authorisation."

- "The White House must work with Congress before continuing these air strikes in Yemen."

Australian Associated Press