Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized the recent US and British strikes on Yemen's Huthi rebels on Friday, labeling them as "disproportionate" and expressing concern that the actions could escalate tensions in the Red Sea, transforming it into a "bloodbath." Erdogan shared his perspective with journalists in Istanbul after Friday prayers.
In his statement, Erdogan asserted, "First of all, they are not proportional. All of these constitute disproportionate use of force." He raised apprehensions about the potential consequences of the strikes, emphasizing the need for measured and proportionate responses in addressing regional conflicts.
Erdogan's comments add a significant diplomatic voice to the discourse surrounding the strikes in Yemen, reflecting concerns about the broader implications for regional stability. The Turkish President's characterization of the military actions as "disproportionate" aligns with a growing chorus of international voices questioning the appropriateness of the response.
The reference to the Red Sea potentially becoming a "bloodbath" underscores the gravity of Erdogan's apprehensions, as the region remains a critical maritime route and geopolitical hotspot. The Turkish perspective adds nuance to the complex dynamics at play, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic channels to address conflicts without escalating tensions in strategically significant areas.
As global attention focuses on the fallout from the strikes and the ongoing conflict in Yemen, Erdogan's remarks contribute to the broader conversation about the need for diplomatic solutions and the careful consideration of the consequences of military interventions in the region.