On Saturday evening, the US carried out a series of strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, as confirmed by a US defense official. The strikes specifically targeted weapons storage facilities across at least three locations. These facilities were known to house advanced conventional weapons used by the Houthis to target ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The US utilized fighter jets to carry out the attack, aiming to disrupt the Houthi's capabilities in the region. The Iran-backed Houthis have been actively targeting ships in the Red Sea, citing their actions as a response to Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The Houthis, along with Hamas and Hezbollah, are part of an Iran-led alliance that spans across Yemen, Syria, Gaza, and Iraq. This alliance has been involved in attacks against Israel and its allies since the onset of the conflict last year. The groups have expressed their intent to continue striking until a ceasefire is achieved in the Palestinian enclave.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin previously announced in mid-October that the US conducted strikes against the Houthis using stealth B-2 bombers for the first time. These bombers, capable of carrying a significant payload, were deployed to further degrade the capabilities of the militant group.
Austin emphasized that the US remains committed to deterring the illegal and reckless attacks carried out by the Houthis. The recent military actions are part of a broader strategy to address threats posed by Iran-led groups in the region.
Reports indicate that the US has bolstered its military presence in the region in response to ongoing conflicts involving Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah. This includes the deployment of a carrier strike group, guided missile destroyers, an amphibious ready group, a marine expeditionary unit, and various aircraft assets.
