US and UK Carry Out Strikes on 18 Houthi Sites in Yemen
In a joint operation, the United States and the United Kingdom have conducted strikes on 18 Houthi sites in Yemen. This marks the fourth such operation by the allies, aimed at degrading the capabilities of the Iran-backed Houthi militant movement. The strikes targeted storage facilities, drones, air defense systems, radars, and a helicopter belonging to the Houthis.
The Houthis, who control significant portions of Yemen, including the capital city Sanaa, have been carrying out sustained attacks on shipping in the Red Sea trade route. They claim that these vessels are linked to Israel and the West in response to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. As a result, global supply chains are experiencing severe disruption and rising costs, with major shipping companies diverting their journeys away from the Red Sea.
The Pentagon released a joint statement with the UK, stating that the strikes were necessary and proportionate. They specifically targeted Houthi underground weapons storage facilities, missile storage facilities, unmanned aerial systems, air defense systems, radars, and a helicopter. The aim of these precision strikes is to disrupt and degrade the capabilities that the Houthis use to threaten global trade, naval vessels, and innocent mariners in one of the world’s most critical waterways.
According to the statement, the Houthis have carried out over 45 attacks on commercial and naval vessels since mid-November. These attacks pose a significant threat to the global economy, regional security, and stability, necessitating an international response. The strikes were conducted with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized that America will not hesitate to take action when necessary to defend lives and ensure the free flow of commerce in this critical waterway. Similarly, UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps stated that it is their duty to protect lives at sea and preserve freedom of navigation. The Royal Air Force engaged in this fourth wave of precision strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen.
Earlier on the same day, the US military announced that it had successfully destroyed seven Houthi mobile anti-ship missiles that were being prepared for strikes. This comes after a Belize-flagged, British-registered cargo vessel was hit by missiles fired by the Houthis, leading its crew to abandon ship off the coast of Yemen.
The situation in Yemen remains tense as the conflict between the Houthis and the internationally recognized government continues. The involvement of the US and UK in conducting these strikes highlights their commitment to safeguarding global trade and maritime security. As the world grapples with the consequences of these attacks on shipping, it is crucial for international cooperation to address the ongoing threat posed by the Houthis in the Red Sea.
