In a coordinated effort, the United States and the United Kingdom have conducted a series of strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. The operation, supported by several other countries, aimed to degrade the capabilities of the Iran-backed Houthi rebels and protect international shipping lanes in the Red Sea.
At least 30 targets were struck across at least 10 locations in Yemen, according to US officials. The targets included command and control centers, underground weapons storage facilities, and other weapons used by the Houthis to target international shipping lanes. The strikes were carried out from air and surface platforms, including fighter jets and destroyers.
In a joint statement, the US and UK, along with Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, reiterated their commitment to defending lives and ensuring the free flow of commerce in one of the world’s most critical waterways. The statement also warned the Houthi leadership that further consequences would be imposed if they did not end their illegal attacks on international shipping and naval vessels.
Two US destroyers, the USS Gravely and USS Carney, fired Tomahawk missiles as part of the strikes on Houthi targets. These land-attack cruise missiles were aimed at degrading the Houthi militia’s capabilities. Additionally, F/A-18 fighter jets from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier participated in the strikes.
The strikes in Yemen come in response to ongoing Houthi attacks on international shipping lanes and US warships in the Red Sea. The Biden administration has adopted a “multi-tiered” response to these attacks, seeking to avoid a regional war with Iran. Instead of directly targeting Iran, the US has focused on Iranian-backed proxies in the region, sending a message to Iran’s leadership about the consequences of supporting these militant organizations.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized that the strikes were intended to disrupt and degrade the capabilities of the Houthi militia. He stated that the collective action sends a clear message to the Houthis that their illegal attacks on international shipping and naval vessels will not be tolerated. Austin also emphasized the importance of defending lives and ensuring the free flow of commerce in the Red Sea, one of the world’s most critical waterways.
The joint US and UK strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen mark a significant effort to degrade the capabilities of the Iran-backed rebels and protect international shipping lanes. With at least 30 targets struck across multiple locations, the operation sends a clear message to the Houthi leadership about the consequences of their illegal attacks. The Biden administration’s approach of targeting Iranian-backed proxies aims to avoid direct confrontation with Iran while addressing the ongoing threats in the region.