US and UK Launch Joint Strikes on Houthi Sites in Yemen Amid Rising Tensions
In a show of force against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, the United States and the United Kingdom have launched a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi sites. The military action comes as the rebel group intensifies its attacks on ships in the Red Sea, in response to Israel’s war on Gaza.
The joint operation, which took place on Saturday, saw 18 Houthi sites across eight locations in Yemen being targeted. The strikes aimed to destroy underground weapons and missile storage facilities, air defense systems, radars, and even a helicopter. This marks the fourth time that the US and UK militaries have carried out joint attacks against the Houthis since January 12.
However, despite these efforts, the Houthi attacks have continued unabated. The rebels have been targeting commercial and Navy vessels with missiles, rockets, and drones, disrupting global trade and raising shipping rates. The US has been conducting daily raids to counter these attacks but has so far been unsuccessful in halting them.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized that the airstrikes were meant to disrupt and degrade the capabilities of the Iranian-backed Houthi militia. He warned that there would be consequences if the Houthis did not cease their illegal attacks, which not only harm Middle Eastern economies but also cause environmental damage and disrupt the delivery of humanitarian aid to Yemen and other countries.
The joint strikes were supported by several countries, including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. However, the Houthis responded defiantly, vowing to confront the American-British escalation with more military operations against hostile targets in the Red and Arab Seas. They stated that their operations would only cease when the aggression stopped and the siege on the Palestinian people in Gaza was lifted.
The Houthis’ attacks on ships have been escalating in recent days. Since November 19, they have launched at least 57 attacks on commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, according to The Associated Press. The group claimed responsibility for an attack on the US-flagged tanker MV Torm Thor, stating that they targeted the vessel using naval missiles. Fortunately, the missile was intercepted, and no damage or injuries were reported.
Another attack was reported near the port of Djibouti, where an explosion occurred in close proximity to an unspecified ship. However, no damage or injuries were reported, and the vessel continued its journey to the next port of call.
The Houthis have also claimed responsibility for previous attacks on a UK-owned cargo ship and a US destroyer. They have even targeted Israel’s port and resort city of Eilat with ballistic missiles and drones. While no ships have been sunk and no crew members killed during these attacks, concerns have been raised about the fate of the UK-registered Rubymar cargo vessel, which was struck on February 18. The vessel was carrying over 41,000 tonnes of fertilizer, raising fears of an environmental disaster if it spills into the Red Sea.
The tensions in the region have not been limited to Yemen. The conflict between Israel and Gaza has spilled over to other parts of the Middle East. Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah group has engaged in exchanges of fire with Israel along the Israel-Lebanon border, while pro-Iran Iraqi militias have attacked bases hosting US forces.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to the Houthi attacks and whether further military action will be taken to protect shipping routes and ensure regional stability.