U.S. and British military forces executed airstrikes on over a dozen Houthi targets in Yemen, as confirmed by officials. This action marks another attempt to quell the Iran-backed group’s assaults on shipping in the region, which have persisted despite ongoing strikes.
The Houthis, controlling significant parts of Yemen, have intensified attacks on maritime vessels, claiming solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s actions in Gaza. Despite the frequent airstrikes by the U.S., these attacks continue, disrupting global trade and escalating shipping costs.
In a joint statement, nations involved in the strikes identified 18 Houthi targets across eight locations in Yemen. These targets included underground weapon and missile storage sites, air defense systems, radars, and a helicopter. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized that the airstrikes aimed to further disrupt and degrade the capabilities of the Houthi militia, backed by Iran.
Participating countries, including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, echoed the need to curb Houthi aggression.
They emphasized the consequences the group would face if it persisted with its illegal attacks, which not only harmed Middle Eastern economies but also disrupted humanitarian aid deliveries to Yemen and other nations.
In response, Al Masirah TV, a key media outlet of the Houthi movement, reported U.S. and UK strikes in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. The Houthis condemned these actions as attempts to impede their support operations for Palestinians in Gaza.
The recent Houthi attacks targeted a UK-owned cargo ship and a U.S. destroyer, along with ballistic missile and drone strikes on Israel’s port and resort city of Eilat. These actions have disrupted vital maritime traffic, particularly through the Suez Canal, raising concerns about potential environmental disasters following cargo ship attacks.
Both the European Union and the United States have launched naval missions to safeguard navigation in the Red Sea amid escalating tensions with the Houthis.
