U.S. President Joe Biden says U.S. and UK have “successfully conducted strikes against a number of targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels”
White House announcement
The White House has issued a statement, confirming attacks on Houthis rebel forces in Yemen.
“Today, at my direction, U.S. military forces-together with the United Kingdom and with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands-successfully conducted strikes against a number of targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels to endanger freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most vital waterways,” President Biden said.
“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.
“These attacks have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardized trade, and threatened freedom of navigation. More than 50 nations have been affected in 27 attacks on international commercial shipping.
“Crews from more than 20 countries have been threatened or taken hostage in acts of piracy. More than 2,000 ships have been forced to divert thousands of miles to avoid the Red Sea.”
These are believed to be the first strikes the United States has carried out against the Houthis in Yemen since 2016.
The officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said a formal statement was soon expected to detail the strikes.
Earlier on Thursday, the Houthi’s leader said any U.S. attack on the group would not go without a response.
The Houthis, who seized much of Yemen in a civil war, have vowed to attack ships linked to Israel or bound for Israeli ports. However, many of the targeted ships have had no links to Israel.
Rishi Sunak responds
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirms the RAF has carried out strikes against military facilities used by Houthi rebels in YemenHe adds: “The UK will always stand up for freedom of navigation and free flow of trade”
Strikes begin
The United States and Britain have started carrying out strikes against targets linked to Houthis in Yemen, four U.S. officials told Reuters on Thursday, the first time strikes have been launched against the Iran-backed group since it started targeting international shipping in the Red Sea late last year.
The Houthis, who control most of Yemen, have been targeting Red Sea shipping routes to show their support for Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist group. The attacks have disrupted international commerce on the key route between Europe and Asia that accounts for about 15% of the world’s shipping traffic.
High alert
The city has been on alert since Thursday evening, with the heavy deployment of Houthi forces and movement of military trucks.
Houthi military sites and camps were also being evacuated.
Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi militants have stepped up attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea in protest against Israel’s war in Gaza.
Various shipping lines have suspended operations, instead taking the longer journey around Africa.
The U.S. says the Houthis had staged their 27th attack on shipping since Nov. 19.
This footage reportedly shows the beginning of the strikes on Yemen.
Houthi response
Earlier on Thursday, the Houthis’ leader said any U.S. attack on the group would not go without a response.
The Houthis, who seized much of Yemen in a civil war, have vowed to attack ships linked to Israel or bound for Israeli ports. However, many of the targeted ships have had no links to Israel.
The U.S. military said on Thursday Houthis fired an anti-ship ballistic missile into international shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden, the 27th attack by the group since Nov. 19.
U.S. and British naval forces shot down 21 drones and missiles fired by Yemen-based Houthis on Tuesday towards the southern Red Sea, the largest attack in the area by the militants.
In December, more than 20 countries agreed to participate in a U.S.-led coalition, known as Operation Prosperity Guardian, safeguarding commercial traffic in the Red Sea.
Australia’s AI workforce revolution: automation paves the way for a four-day work week.
In Short
UiPath’s report highlights the rapid shift towards “agentic automation,” where AI makes autonomous decisions, encouraging businesses to reassess roles and harness automation for productivity. This evolution may enable a four-day work week and necessitates the retraining of staff while ensuring regulations are in place for trust and compliance with AI integration.
The trend towards work reallocation is rapidly advancing, with UiPath’s new report identifying significant shifts in AI and automation.
Key insights from the report suggest a move towards “agentic automation,” where AI begins to make autonomous decisions. Yelena Galstian, Head of Solutions and Customer Advisory at UiPath shares her key insights.
Organisations are encouraged to reassess existing roles and identify areas where automation can enhance productivity.
A critical aspect will be the orchestration of collaboration between human employees, AI agents, and software robots to ensure effective teamwork.
Looking ahead, the motto for businesses is to “redesign and reassign” processes while considering how AI can handle repetitive tasks, allowing human employees to focus on more complex responsibilities.
As organisations embrace these changes, we could see a potential transition to a four-day work week, made feasible through increased efficiency and productivity from AI.
For further insights into the research and methodologies for implementing AI in business, interested parties can connect with the UiPath team through their website.
As global tourism revenue surges, cutting-edge technology and automation are revolutionising the hospitality industry.
Global travel demand remains strong heading into 2025, with industry experts predicting record-breaking tourism revenue.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, global tourism revenue is set to hit $1.9 trillion this year.
With record-breaking growth projected for the travel industry, hospitality leaders are embracing AI, automation, and luxury innovations to enhance guest experiences.
As demand for international travel remains strong, hospitality businesses are adapting to evolving traveler expectations through technology and innovation.
One of the key trends shaping the industry is the rise of artificial intelligence and smart automation.
From AI-powered customer service to energy-efficient hotel management systems, technology is redefining guest experiences.
Luxury boutique hotels like London’s Eccleston Square Hotel are at the forefront of this transformation.
Known as one of the world’s most technologically advanced hotels, Eccleston Square has recently unveiled a major tech upgrade.
The hotel is now using Apple TVs from ROOMNET, an advanced automation system developed with Leading Edge Automation, and a cutting-edge building management system by HSYCO. These innovations enhance operational efficiency while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.
These enhancements work in sync with the hotel’s property management system, MEWS, to create a smarter, more sustainable hospitality experience.
As AI continues to reshape the hospitality landscape, Eccleston Square Hotel’s approach reflects the industry’s broader shift toward innovation, efficiency, and sustainability—paving the way for the future of luxury travel.
Olivia Byrne, Owner and Company Director Eccleston Square Hotel joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.
Reform UK surpasses Labour in polling for first time, with Brexit leader Nigel Farage gaining support amid Conservative decline.
In Short
Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has overtaken Labour in a YouGov poll with 25% support, while Labour sits at 24% and the Conservatives at 21%. This shift indicates growing discontent with the government, particularly as Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch struggles to regain support.
The poll, conducted among 2,223 adults at the beginning of February, shows Reform UK at 25 percent support, a rise of two points from the previous poll.
Labour has declined by three points to 24 percent, while the Conservative Party has dropped to 21 percent.
While these results are notable, the next general election is not required until August 2029, and Reform’s lead falls within the poll’s margin of error. POLITICO’s Poll of Polls shows Labour and Reform both at 25 percent, with Conservatives at 22 percent.
This polling data is troubling for the government, particularly after Labour’s dominance in the last election, where they achieved a majority with 33.7 percent of the vote. Reform UK was in third place with 14.3 percent.
The findings also reflect poorly on Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who seeks to restore support following recent losses.
YouGov indicates that 24 percent of those who voted Conservative in July would now choose Reform, with 43 percent of Conservative voters in 2024 favouring a merger between the two parties.