U.S. and UK Strike 18 Houthi Targets in Yemen After Surge in Attacks: Response to Threats Against Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Shipping

WASHINGTON (AP) — In response to the relentless attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia group on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the United States and Britain launched a joint military operation on Saturday to strike 18 Houthi targets in Yemen, officials reported. This operation marks the fourth combined attack on the Houthi by the U.S. and British militaries since January 12. The targets included missiles, launchers, rockets, drones, air defense systems, and underground storage facilities.

International Coalition Supports the Operation

The United States, the United Kingdom, and their allies, including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, issued a joint statement asserting that the strikes were “necessary and proportionate” and aimed at safeguarding the nearly 400 commercial vessels transiting the southern Red Sea. The attacks against commercial and military ships in the region have escalated, including recent strikes against British-owned MV Islander and MV Rubymar, prompting shipping companies to reroute their vessels, incurring longer and costlier journeys. The U.S. and its allies have established a joint mission to provide air defense protection to ships traveling between the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Solidarity Against Houthi Actions

Speaking in support of the joint operation, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated, “The United States will not hesitate to take action, as needed, to defend lives and the free flow of commerce in one of the world’s most critical waterways.” The statement emphasized that the continuous attacks carry consequences for the Houthi, should they persist with their illegal actions. Echoing Austin’s sentiments, UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said, “Precision strikes” were imperative to degrade Houthi drones and prevent further maritime threat to commercial shipping.

The Persistent Houthi Threat and the International Response

Despite sustained counterattacks by the U.S. and allied forces aimed at deterring Houthi aggression, the militia group’s threats against shipping in the Red Sea have not subsided. Recent statements from the Houthi’s supreme leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, highlight their intentions to intensify sea operations. Consequently, concerns loom over the vital waterway and its significance for cargo and energy shipments between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

The Link Between the Houthi and Hamas

The Houthi’s targeting of shipping has been linked to what they describe as a pressure campaign to end Israel’s war on Hamas. However, the attacks have grown increasingly indiscriminate, risking disruption to vital commerce and posing potential environmental hazards. U.S. officials have reiterated their commitment to de-escalating tension and ensuring stability in the Red Sea.