U.S. and UK conduct fourth round of strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen to safeguard Red Sea trade

U.S. and UK military aircraft conducted a collaborative assault on 18 locations in Yemen held by Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, on Saturday. This marks the fourth coordinated operation between the two nations, intending to diminish the Houthi’s capacity to pose a threat to maritime traffic along the crucial Red Sea trade passage.

In a joint statement, the Pentagon announced that the airstrikes targeted various Houthi facilities associated with underground storage, missile storage, drones, air defence, radars, and a helicopter. The statement emphasised that the strikes, deemed “necessary and proportionate” by the U.S., aimed to disrupt and diminish the capabilities utilised by the Houthis to endanger global trade, naval vessels, and the safety of innocent sailors in one of the world’s most crucial water routes.

Furthermore, it highlighted the Houthi’s responsibility for over 45 attacks on commercial and naval ships since mid-November, underscoring the risk posed to the global economy, regional security, and stability, necessitating an international response. The statement also noted the involvement and support of Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand in carrying out the strikes.

After the recent airstrikes, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasised the United States’ unwavering commitment to protecting lives and facilitating uninterrupted commerce in one of the world’s most crucial maritime routes. He stated that the U.S. stands ready to take necessary measures to uphold these priorities. Moreover, Austin reiterated the U.S.’s pledge to support regional allies and ensure the security of the Red Sea.

Meanwhile, UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps asserted the UK’s obligation to safeguard lives at sea and uphold freedom of navigation. He stated that the Royal Air Force’s participation in the “fourth wave of precision strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen” was aimed at fulfilling this responsibility.

 

Additionally, the U.S. military reported the destruction of seven Houthi mobile anti-ship missiles, which were being prepared for potential attacks. The Houthi rebels have been conducting assaults on vessels in the Red Sea, alleging ties to Israel and Western powers, as a response to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.

 

The conflict in Yemen dates back to 2014 when Houthi rebels seized control of the capital, Sanaa, and significant portions of the country, triggering a civil war. They have since been met with opposition from a Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government. The prolonged conflict has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis, with millions of Yemenis facing famine, disease, and displacement.

 

The Red Sea serves as a vital shipping lane, connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, and is crucial for the transportation of oil and gas from the Middle East. Any disruption or escalation of hostilities in this region could have severe repercussions on global trade and energy supplies.