The Pentagon has reported that US and UK fighter planes executed airstrikes on 18 Houthi sites in Yemen in the latest joint operation by the allies.
The strikes, conducted on Saturday, targeted storage facilities, drones, air defense systems, radars, and a Houthi helicopter, according to the US. The UK stated that the action was taken to “further degrade” Houthi capabilities.
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been carrying out persistent attacks on shipping in the strategic Red Sea trade route. They have been targeting vessels they claim are affiliated with Israel and the West, responding to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
The Red Sea disruptions caused by these attacks have led major shipping companies to divert their routes, resulting in significant challenges and increased costs for global supply chains. The Red Sea is among the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
In a collective announcement, the Pentagon stated that the airstrikes conducted on Saturday were “necessary and proportionate,” focusing on 18 Houthi targets across eight locations in Yemen. The targets included Houthi underground weapons storage facilities, missile storage facilities, unmanned aerial systems for one-way attacks, air defense systems, radars, and a helicopter.
The precision strikes aimed to disrupt and degrade the capabilities used by the Houthis to threaten global trade, naval vessels, and the safety of mariners in one of the world’s most vital waterways, according to the joint statement. The Houthis’ over 45 attacks on commercial and naval vessels since mid-November were highlighted as a threat to the global economy, regional security, and stability, warranting an international response.
The statement mentioned the involvement of Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand in supporting the strikes. Following the action, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the commitment to taking necessary measures to defend lives and maintain the free flow of commerce in one of the world’s crucial waterways.
UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, in a separate statement, asserted that protecting lives at sea and ensuring freedom of navigation were duties that required fulfillment.
“The Royal Air Force has conducted a fourth series of precision strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen,” announced officials. This action followed an earlier statement from the US military, revealing the destruction of seven Houthi mobile anti-ship missiles that were in preparation for potential strikes.
This week witnessed the crew of a Belize-flagged, British-registered cargo vessel abandoning ship off Yemen after being targeted by missiles fired by the Houthi forces.
