The Pentagon has announced that American and British fighter jets have executed targeted strikes on 18 locations associated with the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
This operation marks the fourth collaborative military action between the United States and the United Kingdom against the Houthi forces.
The strikes aimed at debilitating the military capabilities of the Houthi movement, hitting underground weapon storage facilities, missile depots, drones, air defense systems, radars, and a helicopter.
The coordinated effort underscores the allies’ determination to counteract the Houthi assaults on commercial and military shipping traversing the vital Red Sea corridor.
US and UK Targets Against Houthi (Credits: Reuters)
The Houthi rebels, who have a stronghold over significant portions of Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa, have launched attacks on vessels they associate with Israel and Western interests amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza.
The Pentagon’s statement emphasized the precision of these strikes, designed to thwart the Houthis’ ability to jeopardize global trade and naval operations in one of the most crucial maritime routes.
Highlighting the broader implications, the Pentagon noted that the Houthis’ aggressive actions since mid-November, involving more than 45 attacks on naval and commercial vessels, pose a significant threat not only to regional security but also to the global economy, necessitating a response from the international community.
The operation was supported by a coalition of nations, including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, reflecting the widespread concern over the Houthis’ activities in the Red Sea.
In separate statements, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps reiterated their countries’ commitment to safeguarding international maritime routes. Austin declared the United States’ readiness to defend lives and ensure the free flow of commerce through strategic waterways.
Meanwhile, Shapps emphasized the UK’s obligation to protect life at sea and maintain navigational freedoms, underlining the purpose of the Royal Air Force’s involvement in the precision strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen.
