Image Credits- UK Ministry of Defense via AP
In a joint effort, the United States (U.S.) and Britain have launched a series of airstrikes targeting more than a dozen Houthi targets in Yemen. This action comes as a response to a recent surge in attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia on ships traversing the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The coordinated strikes, which mark the fourth such operation by the two allies, aim to deter further attacks by the group, particularly following a recent missile strike that caused a cargo ship to catch fire.
According to U.S. officials, American and British fighter jets carried out the airstrikes, targeting approximately 18 sites across various locations. These targets included missiles, launchers, rockets, drones, and unmanned surface and underwater vehicles. The strikes were launched from the USS Dwight D Eisenhower aircraft carrier stationed in the Red Sea, under the directive of U.S. President Joe Biden, who was briefed on the targets beforehand.
Despite these counter-attacks, the Houthi militia has continued its campaign against shipping in the region, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Masirah TV, a prominent news outlet affiliated with the Houthi movement, reported nine airstrikes conducted by U.S. and UK forces in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) participated in the strikes, deploying four Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets supported by two Voyager fuel tankers. These airstrikes targeted long-range drones and their launchers, located northeast of Sanaa, which the Houthis use for reconnaissance and attack missions.
British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps underscored the importance of protecting maritime interests and ensuring freedom of navigation in the region. He praised the RAF’s involvement in degrading Houthi capabilities and preventing further attacks on commercial shipping. Additionally, Shapps expressed gratitude to the personnel involved in executing the airstrikes.
The U.S. Secretary of Defence, Lloyd J Austin, noted that the joint operation received support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. The strikes targeted various Houthi military assets, including underground weapons storage facilities, missile storage facilities, and air defence systems.
Despite these efforts, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh acknowledged that the Houthis have maintained their capabilities and continue to receive support from Iran. The recent increase in attacks underscores the ongoing challenges posed by the Houthi insurgency in Yemen and the broader implications for regional security and stability.
