US and UK Conduct Joint Air Strikes Against Houthi Targets in Yemen
In a bid to protect the “free flow of commerce,” the United States and the United Kingdom have carried out a fresh series of joint air strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The strikes, which took place on Monday, targeted eight locations, including an underground storage site and Houthi missile and surveillance capabilities. The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have been targeting ships they believe are linked to Israel and the West as they pass through the Red Sea trade route.
The Pentagon issued a joint statement with the UK confirming the strikes, stating that they were “proportionate and necessary” to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea. The statement also warned the Houthi leadership that they will not hesitate to defend lives and the free flow of commerce in one of the world’s most critical waterways.
This is the eighth strike carried out by the US against Houthi targets in Yemen, and the second joint operation with the UK. The UK’s Foreign Secretary, Lord David Cameron, emphasized that these strikes send a clear message and will continue to degrade the Houthis’ ability to carry out attacks. Lord Cameron dismissed the Houthis’ narrative that the strikes were related to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, stating that the UK wants to see a swift end to the conflict in Gaza.
The joint statement revealed that the strikes were conducted with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands. The involvement of these countries highlights the international concern over the escalating situation in Yemen and the importance of protecting global trade routes.
The US fighter jets from the carrier USS Eisenhower were involved in Monday’s strikes, along with four RAF Typhoons supported by Voyager tankers from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). The MoD stated that rigorous analysis was applied to minimize the risk of civilian casualties, and the strikes were carried out at night to further mitigate any such risks.
The UK Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, described the strikes as self-defense against the Houthis’ intolerable attacks on merchant shipping. He emphasized that these strikes aim to degrade Houthi capabilities and deal a blow to their limited stockpiles, ultimately protecting global trade.
The Houthis, however, remain defiant despite the previous strikes. They continue to launch various projectiles at ships passing Yemen’s coastline, even mistakenly targeting a ship carrying Russian oil. Western intelligence estimates that at least 30% of Houthi missile stocks have been destroyed or degraded. Yet, the Houthis, who receive support from Iran, are determined to carry out their attacks on ships they suspect of being linked to Israel, the US, or the UK.
The US President, Joe Biden, and the UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, discussed the ongoing Houthi attacks in a phone call earlier on Monday. They reaffirmed their commitment to freedom of navigation, international commerce, and defending mariners from illegal attacks. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of increasing humanitarian aid and civilian protections in Gaza and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The attacks on merchant vessels by the Houthis began in response to Israel’s military ground operation in Gaza last November. Since then, they have launched numerous attacks on commercial tankers passing through the Red Sea, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.
The joint air strikes by the US and UK, supported by other countries, demonstrate a united front against the Houthi aggression in Yemen. These strikes aim to protect international trade routes and ensure stability in the Red Sea region. As tensions continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how the Houthis will respond and whether further action will be necessary to safeguard global commerce.