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15 things you need for hiking in the snow
The best gear to stay warm and safe on a snow hike
Hiking in the snow is a completely different experience from hiking in the summertime. Not only are trails less crowded, but they’re also transformed into a magical landscape by snowfall. However, hiking in the snow comes with its own safety concerns to keep in mind. You’ll want specific gear that you otherwise wouldn’t need on the trail.
This article was reviewed and approved by Judd NeSmith, the BestReviews Fitness Expert.
What you need for hiking in the snow Packing for a snow hikeKeeping warm and dry when hiking in the snow is essential. You’ll need more layers and more equipment than you would for a hike in nice weather. Consider bringing a first aid kit, an emergency blanket and a flashlight in case the shorter day catches up with you. BestReviews fitness expert Judd NeSmith, NASM-CPT, PES, founder of Serious Fitness, also recommends bringing an extra pair of gloves, an extra beanie and an extra coat just in case the weather turns bad or you’re stranded overnight. Carry this additional gear in a large winter backpack, and make sure it’s waterproof to protect your belongings.
Dress for the weatherLayering is key for a comfortable snow hike. Weather conditions can change, and it’s better to be overprepared than suffer frostbite. Pick a wool or wool blend base layer, then top it with a fleece or down middle layer followed by wind and waterproof shell. All your outer layers, including boots, should be waterproof.
Remember to bring winter essentials such as gloves, hats and scarves. Depending on the conditions, you may also want to bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from glare.
Best gear for hiking in the snow[ Icebreaker BodyFit 260 Tech Leggings ]
These lightweight yet warm merino wool leggings resist developing odors and help regulate your body temperature. This base layer is soft and warm, featuring a comfortable brushed elastic waistband and flatlock seams that won’t chafe. Despite being made from 100% merino wool, it’s still machine-washable.
[ Helly Hansen Warm Freeze Half-Zip Base Layer ]
This lightweight wool blend base layer is ideal for medium- to high-intensity activities such as snow hiking. The merino wool blend fabric helps wick away moisture and keeps you warm while feeling less itchy than pure wool. It’s available in several sporty color choices and features a half-zip at the collar.
[ Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Bottom ]
Made from interlock knit 100% merino wool fabric, these thermals provide unbeatable warmth and breathability. Merino is softer and thinner than standard wool, so it’s more comfortable against your skin. It also resists odors and provides excellent thermal regulation. The leggings feature a slim fit with a merino-covered elastic waistband.
[ Smartwool Classic Hike Extra Cushion Crew Socks ]
The extra padding in these socks keeps feet warm on snowy trails. Made from a machine-washable merino wool blend, these socks feature crew height for extra coverage and elasticized arches for better support. They are warm and durable and should last for years.
[ Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth Straw with Lid ]
Stay warm and hydrated on a winter hike with this durable, leak-proof 32-ounce bottle. This sturdy insulated tumbler can keep hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours. The stainless steel construction gives your drink a clean, refreshing taste. It has a built-in carrying loop for convenient portability.
[ Patagonia Torrentshell Rain Jacket ]
This durable waterproof jacket with a fleece-lined neck will keep you dry and comfortable in all conditions. It features a two-way adjustable hood and zippered pockets to keep your essentials safe.
[ Carhartt Waterproof Insulated Gloves ]
These gloves are ideal for damp, snowy conditions thanks to the tight wrist strap that traps in heat while keeping out ice and snow. Moisture-wicking fabric keeps hands dry and comfortable.
[ Buff Multifunctional Neckwear ]
Made of 100 percent merino wool, this versatile neck gaiter can be worn more than a dozen different ways, including as a balaclava and cap. The material provides natural moisture-wicking for maximum comfort.
[ Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie ]
Designed by a trusted brand, this soft beanie features stretchy rib knit for a cozy, comfortable fit. It comes in more than 30 colors to suit any style.
[ The North Face Aconcagua Insulated Vest ]
If you want something that doesn’t feel too bulky, this insulated vest is perfect to zip up over a sweater. It features warm, windproof construction, a water-repellent finish and pockets for your hands.
[ Teton Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack ]
Available in 11 colors, this rugged, lightweight backpack features a roomy main compartment to hold enough gear for a night or two, as well as a sleeping bag holder. The adjustable padded shoulder straps provide a comfortable fit. It also comes with bungee storage for jackets, side pockets for your small essentials, and a rainfly to keep the pack dry.
[ Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden Snow Boots ]
These warm, comfortable boots are perfect for taking on snowy conditions. Not only are they waterproof, but they’re lightweight, flexible and look great, too.
[ Columbia Men’s Bugaboot III Snow Boot ]
Waterproof and durable, these top-rated boots are cushioned and breathable for comfort. The superior traction makes them ideal for wearing in the snow.
[ Cimkiz Crampons ]
Sometimes regular hiking boots won’t cut it on icy ground. That’s when you need crampons for extra traction to ensure you stay safe and enjoy your hike.
[ Maui Jim Hookipa Rectangular Sunglasses ]
When the sun hits the snow, it certainly looks beautiful, but it can also create a harsh glare that can damage your eyes. These sporty sunglasses from the high-quality brand Maui Jim use PolarizedPlus2 technology to eliminate 99.9% of the glare and block all UV rays for comfort and clarity.
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Work your whole body with 12 best slam ball exercises
Which slam ball exercises are best?
Slam ball exercises are a terrific way to work your whole body. Often weighted with sand to reduce bounce and rolling, these rubber-coated balls are lifted and thrown in a gym or other controlled setting to engage the muscles. The core, arms and legs are all activated during most individual slam ball exercises. Here are some of the best exercises you can do to get fast results.
Best slam ball exercisesYou can do each of these exercises for 10 reps each, three times through.
Overhead slamsWith both hands, hold the ball straight above your head. Use your shoulders and slam the ball to the ground as hard as you can. Squat down to pick up the ball, lift it above your head again and repeat.
Burpee slamBegin with your arms extended over your head, holding the ball. Slam the ball to the ground in front of you, squat down and put your hands on the ball. Jump out into a plank position, then jump back to a squat. Lift the ball over your head again and jump straight up into the air for one rep.
Bear crawlGet on all fours, hands and knees parallel with the ball sitting between your hands. Lift both of your knees to hover above the ground. Keep your knees up, crawl forward, alternating your hands and feet. As you do this, bat the ball back and forth with your hands to keep it with you.
Lateral throwsBegin 3 to 5 feet from the wall. Stand perpendicular to the wall with your dominant hand closest to the wall and feet shoulder-length apart. Hold the ball with both hands and rotate away from the wall to wind up. Twisting your body, throw the ball as hard as you can against the wall. Repeat on the other side.
Squat throwsFace a wall with your feet shoulder-width apart and toes slightly out, and hold the ball to your chin. Keep your abdominals in and bend your knees to squat to your appropriate level. Rise out of the squat and thrust the ball forward.
Overhead lungesHolding the ball with both hands above your head and your feet together, step one foot forward into a lunge. Then step your feet back together and switch legs, being sure not to bend the knee over the toes.
Chest pressStand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the slam ball to your chest, thumbs-down and elbows out. Press the slamball forward, straightening your arms and repeat.
WoodchopperGrip your slam ball with both hands and hold it overhead with your feet slightly more than hip distance apart. Rotating at the waist, bring the ball swiftly down to your right side. Repeat this move and switch sides.
Russian twistSit down on a mat with your feet flat on the ground and hold the ball above your knees. Leave your feet grounded or lift them to balance in a boat position. Twisting your body, touch the ball to the ground next to you on each side several times.
Slam ball situpsLie back with your knees up and feet flat on the mat. Hold the ball with both hands over your head. Using your abdominals, sit up and press the ball forward above your feet. Mindfully lower your back to the ground and repeat.
Slam ball plankKneel with the ball in front of you. Place both hands on the ball and extend your legs out into a plank. Hold your abdominals and breathe while balancing for 60 seconds.
Slam ball isolated arm pushupGet into the top of a pushup position with one arm on the ball and the other on the ground. Bend your elbows and lower your body, then press up. Repeat on both sides.
What you need to buy for slam ball exercises Slam ballsA quality slam ball is easy to grip and doesn’t bounce when it hits the floor or a wall. This prevents injury when throwing it while exercising.
These training balls are durable, slammable and easy to hang onto. They range in weight from 6 to 40 pounds.
This brand includes weighted balls from 10-40 pounds and has a great grip. It is filled with sand to reduce bouncing or rolling during slam workouts.
Workout matProviding your own mat at home, at the gym or in a class ensures that you have the right one for you. Workout mats have different thicknesses, textures and designs to suit many needs.
[ Gorilla Mats Premium Extra-Large Exercise Mat ]
These mats are durable, nonslip and eco-friendly. The mat is made from nontoxic materials and includes straps, a towel and a bag.
Gym shortsShorts can make a workout more comfortable for men and women than full-length pants. Many gym shorts are sweat-wicking and breathable.
[ Under Armour Men’s Tech Graphic Shorts ]
These shorts are made to be soft and quick-drying. They have an elastic waistband, and a drawstring and usually fit true to size.
Running shoesForm and stability can shape your workout. For this reason, having proper shoes for the gym is essential. Running or walking shoes are ideal for the gym because they have the traction and flexibility needed for training.
This pair of men’s running shoes come in several different styles. They have a rubber sole for grip and mesh for breathability.
[ Women’s Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 ]
These are supportive and comfortable running shoes for women in several styles. They are breathable, durable and flexible for foot movement.
Water bottleCarry a water bottle to the gym to stay hydrated throughout your workout. Most gyms also offer free water to refill your container if needed.
[ Iron Flask Metal Water Bottle ]
This iron flask is durable and portable enough for any sport. It is vacuum-insulated stainless steel, creating a leakproof metal liquid container.
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Florida women relinquish late lead to Tennessee, stay winless in SEC play
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — After opening the season with wins in nine of 12 games, the Florida women’s team had its losing streak extended to three Thursday night after an 88-81 loss at Tennessee.
The Gators (9-6, 0-3 SEC) took their largest lead in the first half at 35-23 and appeared poised to pull an upset, but the Vols tied the score at halftime at 43.
Coach Kelly Rae Finley’s team lost 89-66 vs. No. 1 South Carolina a week ago and followed up with a 63-57 loss at Vanderbilt on Sunday.
“It’s the hand that we drew and, in our program, we don’t make excuses,” Finley said about the difficult SEC stretch. “To play this schedule is good for us. We don’t want handouts, and we don’t want it to be easy. … The harder the situation gets the better we get, the more we thrive and that’s what I expect to see from our team moving forward.”
Aliyah Matharu led Florida with 23 points. Leilani Correa had 12 points followed by Alberte Rimdal and Zippy Broughton with 11 each. Laila Reynolds added 9 points and 8 rebounds.
The Vols (10-5, 3-0), who were led by Jewel Spear and Sara Puckett with 20 points each, entered the fourth quarter trailing 63-59 but shot 18 free throws in the frame. They were 26-for-30 overall from the stripe.
“I know after this loss and after the losses we have had here in SEC play we are going to make sure we keep a level head,” Broughton said. “We are going to practice [Friday] and know that it’s not about the losses. We have to keep getting better each and every day.”
The Gators return home Sunday for a game vs. Georgia (10-6, 1-2), which lost 81-63 to Alabama on Thursday.
Reinhart scores with 0.7 seconds left in OT as Panthers top Kings 3-2 for 9th straight win
SUNRISE — Sam Reinhart scored on a backhander with less than a second to play in overtime, Matthew Tkachuk scored late in regulation to tie the game and the Florida Panthers rallied past the Los Angeles Kings 3-2 on Thursday night to push their winning streak to nine games.
Sam Bennett also scored for Florida, which trailed 1-0 and 2-1 before pulling out the win. Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 32 shots for the Panthers, plus got one of the two assists on Reinhart’s winner.
Trevor Moore and Drew Doughty scored for the Kings. Cam Talbot made 36 saves for Los Angeles, which is 0-3-4 in its last seven games.
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The Kings’ Adrian Kempe was called for cross-checking Florida’s Brandon Montour with 1:23 left in overtime, giving the Panthers a 4-on-3 edge. The Kings killed off the first 1:22 of that power play, but Reinhart got his 30th goal of the season with seventh-tenths of a second to keep the winning streak alive.
The nine-game winning streak is the third-longest in franchise history. The Panthers won 12 consecutive games in the 2015-16 season, then had their other two longest streaks in 2021-22 — eight straight wins to open that season, then 13 in a row toward the end of that season.
Doughty got his first goal in his last 15 games — he hadn’t scored since Dec. 7 — about eight seconds into a Los Angeles power play late in the second for a 2-1 lead, and the Kings nearly made it hold up. But with Bobrovsky pulled for an extra attacker, Tkachuk scored with 2:18 left to pull the Panthers into a tie. It was the fifth consecutive game Tkachuk had a goal.
Both teams had chances in the extra session, before Reinhart got the one that mattered most.
UP NEXT
Panthers: Host New Jersey on Saturday.
Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9), center, is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a goal during the second period against the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, in Sunrise. (Marta Lavandier/AP)
Martin makes last-second free throws to lift No. 24 FAU over Tulane, 85-84
NEW ORLEANS — Alijah Martin hit two of three free throws after being fouled by Tulane’s Jaylen Forbes on a desperation 3-point attempt that was not close to going in with less than a second left, and No. 24 Florida Atlantic escaped with a 85-84 victory over the Green Wave on Thursday night.
Martin missed the second free throw, but made the third to secure a result that helped FAU avoid what would have been a second straight loss after being upset at Charlotte — where they fell 70-68 on free throws with 1.7 seconds left.
Nick Boyd tied a career high with 21 points to lead FAU (12-4, 2-1 American Athletic), which led 83-74 after Brandon Weatherspoon’s 3 with 3:03 left, but nearly collapsed.
Related Articles- College Sports | FAU men’s basketball team barely stays in AP Top 25 after another loss
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Tulane responded with a stunning 10-0 run that included Forbes’ 3 and a pair of contested driving layups by Collin Holloway, the second giving the Green Wave an 84-83 lead with 28 seconds left.
FAU then missed twice but rebounded both times to set up the third shot on which the decisive foul was called.
Vladislav Goldin had 19 points and 11 rebounds for FAU, while Johnell Davis and Martin each scored 14 points.
Forbes scored 28 points and Kevin Cross added 20 points and 11 rebounds for Tulane (10-5, 1-2), which dropped its second straight league game.
Florida Atlantic led 39-38 at halftime and widened its lead to 10 in the first five minutes of the second half, when Boyd contributed a pair of 3s and Martin added another.
Tulane clawed back within a point when Cross’ free throws made it 73-72.
That’s when Boyd made another 3 while being fouled by Percy Daniels and completed the 4-point play with a free throw to make it 77-72. He added his sixth 3 of the game shortly after to make it 80-74 with 4:05 left.
BIG PICTURE
FAU: The Owls made eight of their 14 3-pointers in the second half. … FAU outrebounded Tulane 42-33, including 18 offensive rebounds that led to 22 second-chance points (including the winning points). The Owls have won 39 of their last 41 games in which they have outrebounded their opponent.
Tulane: Tulane has lost 53 straight against Top 25 opponents since a 72-63 win over then-No. 25 North Carolina State on Dec. 22, 1999. … Tre’ Williams, a transfer guard from Oregon State who has scored 10 or more in half of his games this season, was expected to be available but remained sidelined for a third straight game with an ankle injury.
UP NEXT
FAU: Hosts UAB on Sunday.
Upset of blue blood Kansas elevates UCF’s profile in red-hot Big 12
UCF’s new quarterback KJ Jefferson is already part of big things going on with UCF athletics.
The former Arkansas star and latest addition to the UCF football team was at Addition Financial Arena on Wednesday night, amid the fans who stormed the court after the Knights upset No. 3 Kansas 65-60.
“I actually ran out there as well,” Jefferson said. “It was a great atmosphere. It was my first time being in Orlando and my first time at a basketball event [at UCF] and for the basketball team to come out and get a big victory over Kansas was big-time .. the atmosphere was great, I loved it and I can’t wait for football season.”
Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando SentinelKansas guard Johnny Furphy walks off the floor dejected as jubilant UCF fans rush the court after Wednesday at Addition Financial Arena. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)Football coach Gus Malzahn also was in attendance, and he praised the basketball Knights (10-4, 1-1 Big 12) for their accomplishment.
“I just want to congratulate Coach [Johnny] Dawkins and our basketball team,” Malzahn said at a press conference to introduce new quarterback KJ Jefferson. “It was an unbelievable win, unbelievable atmosphere. One of the biggest games in school history on our campus and they seized the moment, so that was a real special thing.”
Dawkins was captured on video by the UCF media crew, showing how incredibly excited he was after the huge win. Kansas is the highest ranked team UCF has ever defeated, dating to a 2011 victory over No. 4 UConn, 68-63, in the Battle of Atlantis Tournament at Paradise Island, Bahamas.
LET’S GOOO @Coach_Dawkins pic.twitter.com/DGqf11JpLE
— UCF Knights
Fruit Stripe Gum to bite the dust after a half century of highly abbreviated rainbow flavors
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Fruit Stripe Gum, something of a childhood icon for many gum chewers over the past five decades, will soon head over the rainbow with its multicolored zebra mascot Yipes — seemingly for good.
The manufacturer of Fruit Stripe Gum, the Chicago company Ferrara Candy Co., gave the magazine Food & Wine a statement Tuesday that it is discontinuing the product; on Wednesday, an unidentified company spokesperson did the same for CNN. Ferrara did not respond to multiple requests from The Associated Press on Thursday seeking confirmation of its decision.
Fruit Stripe may have been best known for its oversized packs of spectral-striped gum sticks, each bearing a distinct fruit flavor that typically faded away quickly upon chewing. For years, the packs contained temporary tattoos of brand mascot Yipes the rainbow zebra that kids could apply to their arms, legs and faces; gum chewers often joked that the tattoos lasted far longer than the gum’s flavor did.
So notorious was the gum’s ephemeral taste that it ended up in a fittingly brief gag on the animated sitcom “Family Guy.”
Yipes also had a minor cult following, especially once the company coined “Yipes! Stripes!” as a commercial catchphrase.
The gum was first launched by bygone candy maker Beech-Nut in 1969, but ended up at Ferrara following a series of corporate handoffs and mergers. Ferrara itself is a unit of the Italian conglomerate Ferrero.
General Daily Insight for January 12, 2024
General Daily Insight for January 12, 2024
We’re not backing down! As ambitious Mars eggs on optimistic Jupiter at 5:42 am EST, we can tap into that competitive side that we don’t always show. There is no shortage of passion to fuel us, whatever we’re doing. Watch out, though — when sensitive Luna lashes out at Jupiter, overconfidence may have us losing sight of our goals. Thankfully, the Moon smooths things over with pained Chiron, heightening our empathy and healing potential. We should always remember our true motivations!
AriesMarch 21 – April 19
You’re taking control of your life — and others can see it! You may have gone through a period where it felt like every day brought a new problem, but you’re finally able to find a rhythm that works for you. Unfortunately, this could lull you into a false sense of security, where you feel comfortable enough to introduce heavier responsibilities into your already full schedule. One misstep might throw off your whole operation! Try to stick with what you have for the time being.
TaurusApril 20 – May 20
You don’t have to be a boxer to fight back! If someone is spreading unfair rumors about you or refusing to give you the credit that you deserve, then it’s time to stand up for yourself. That being said, you need to fight any temptation to give them a taste of their own medicine, as lying or exposing the other person’s unrelated secrets will not help you out of this situation. Stick to the situation at hand, and let the facts be your champion.
GeminiMay 21 – June 20
Someone may be pushing you to act out of character. You know who you are inside, but there could be people around you who are trying to get you to show a nastier side of yourself, one that is a bit meaner or overly defensive. You don’t have to sink to their level — even if they’re throwing unfair shots at you. It’s better to stand on your own than to stand with someone who works to manipulate you away from your truth.
CancerJune 21 – July 22
You might be competing against many other people throughout the day. Regardless of your typical attitude toward competition, when it comes to something that you really want, you’re probably willing to step up to the plate. This could be for a person that you want to spend more time with, a dream career opportunity that you are pursuing, or even an official contest for a prize. Give it your best shot — or you risk getting stuck wondering what would have happened.
LeoJuly 23 – August 22
You can let your hard work do the talking at the moment. A superior or an authority figure may begin questioning you, but you’d be wise to let your record speak for itself. Words can be cheap, but when all you’re talking about is the facts, proven by promises you fulfilled in the past and know that you can deliver on again, you can certify the value of your statements. Others should see that, so go show them what you’re really made of!
VirgoAugust 23 – September 22
Who you are is enough, Virgo. You may currently base much of your worth on winning or reaching a certain standard that you set for yourself. Unfortunately, this can become stressful if you fall short of the standards that you set for your performance. When such cognitive dissonance strikes, you attempt to cope through negative self-talk. This can make you into your own worst enemy rather than building yourself up! Don’t talk yourself out of what you can actually achieve if you don’t give up.
LibraSeptember 23 – October 22
Someone in your life potentially understands your needs — whether you’ve known them for years or just met. Keep your eyes peeled for a business partner or advisor, who’s more trustworthy than others you’ve known in the past. While it could even feel like you need to compete with this person at first, once you join forces, you’ll probably discover that you’re stronger together. Instead of becoming defensive when someone shows you a better way to do something, hear them out.
ScorpioOctober 23 – November 21
You’re a person that others can count on. There may be a call to action that comes for you during the day, either to serve people that you know personally or to assist the community at large, especially your hometown. Anxieties could make you resist committing yourself at first, but the universe will support you to go after this dream of building up the people around you. Who knows, you might even meet a new friend through the work that you do!
SagittariusNovember 22 – December 21
Your dedication may beat out the talent of someone else. No matter how naturally gifted they are, you may have been more faithful to studying or practicing your skills. Being so diligent will likely let you gain an edge over the competition. While others could be relying on their wits and instincts, you have more knowledge and preparation behind your actions. Your excellence might make them realize that they weren’t as ready as they thought. Show them what consistency can do!
CapricornDecember 22 – January 19
Creativity is calling, Capricorn! You may have a bit of extra time to yourself at present, either for a vacation or just a day to rest. Either way, this means you have more freedom to follow your heart! Take advantage of any openings — in addition to being fun on their own, showing off your courage can impress others who’d usually be closed off to this kind of free expression. There are delightful opportunities available to be found by being spontaneous.
AquariusJanuary 20 – February 18
You might not want to contend with those who are trying to compete with you. While you’re likely just expressing yourself the only way that you know how, others could be taking it as a criticism of how they live their lives. Sometimes your comfort in being who you are can trigger other people around you — especially those who are not comfortable in their own skin! They may then react to you with frustration. Don’t let their mindset change you.
PiscesFebruary 19 – March 20
You might find yourself competing for someone’s time and attention. There may be multiple people trying to catch the eye of this person for one reason or another, though you probably want to draw their focus to you simply so that you can get to know them better. Your intentions might be more genuine than those of others — they’re potentially attempting to get something from this person rather than be their true friend or supporter. Show them that you don’t have an ulterior motive.
US, British militaries launch massive retaliatory strike against Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen
By LOLITA C. BALDOR and TARA COPP (Associated Press)
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 U.S. Air Force’s Mideast command said it struck over 60 targets at 16 sites in Yemen, including “command-and-control nodes, munitions depots, launching systems, production facilities and air defense radar systems.”
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 and 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. Eyewitnesses who spoke with the AP also said they saw strikes in Taiz and Dhamar, cities south of Sanaa.
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 issued a final warning 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 targeting shipping in the Red Sea, 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, who remains hospitalized with complications from prostate cancer surgery, 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.”
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.
Russia, however, requested an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on the strikes. France, the current council president, said it will take place Friday afternoon.
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.
The Houthis later Friday said the strikes killed five people and wounded six, without elaborating on who the casualties were.
A senior administration official said that while the U.S. expects the strikes will degrade the Houthis’ capabilities, “we would not be surprised to see some sort of response,” although they haven’t seen anything yet. Officials said the U.S. used warplanes based on the Navy aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and Air Force fighter jets, while the Tomahawk missiles were fired from Navy destroyers and a submarine.
The Houthis say their assaults are aimed at stopping Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. But their targets increasingly have little or no connection to Israel and imperil a crucial trade route 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. had 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.
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 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 three commercial vessels were struck by missiles 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.
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Associated Press writers Ahmed al-Haj in Sanaa, Yemen; Jack Jeffery in London; Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations; and Zeke Miller, Aamer Madhani and Seung Min Kim in Washington contributed to this report.
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