Explainer: Why Bahrain supported US strikes on Yemen’s Houthis

Bahrain emerged as the only Arab country to support the American and British strikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen on Thursday, a move that could result in blowback for the Gulf kingdom but demonstrates its desire to maintain close ties with the United States amid high regional tensions.

The US and UK struck Houthi military sites in Yemen on Thursday night, following nearly 30 attacks by the Iran-backed group on commercial ships in the Red Sea since November. The attacks that the Houthis claim target Israeli-linked ships in response to the ongoing war in Gaza have severely impacted the global shipping industry and economy.

In a statement on Thursday night, the White House said the strikes were conducted “with support” from Bahrain as well as Canada, the Netherlands and Australia. The White House did not specify what the support entailed. The Bahraini government has yet to comment.

Close ties to Washington