The United States and the United Kingdom have conducted precise strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen in response to recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The Red Sea is a crucial waterway, handling approximately 15% of global shipping trade. The strikes, numbering more than a dozen, primarily targeted the western areas of Houthi-controlled Yemen, including the capital city of Sanaa and the coastal region of Saada.
Both the Pentagon and the Houthis have confirmed the destruction of various military assets. The targets comprised air bases, airports, camps, radar systems, drone storage, and launch sites, all of which have played a significant role in Houthi attacks. Ballistic and cruise missile storage and launch sites were also hit, along with coastal radar and air surveillance capabilities.
The airstrikes were carried out using fighter jets from the U.S. and the UK. Images captured one of the British fighter jets taking off for an airstrike. Additionally, ships and submarine platforms were deployed, with the USS Florida, a guided missile submarine, being among the named assets. These vessels fired tomahawk missiles at the Yemeni targets. It is unclear to what extent the USS Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group was involved, but it has been positioned in the region to deter regional actors, including the Houthis and Iran, from expanding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
In response to the strikes, the Houthis warned of retaliation against any international action taken against them. However, the U.S. and its allies have expressed readiness for such retaliation, indicating that these strikes may not be the last military action taken against the Houthis.
The strikes come as a response to the recent surge in Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. These attacks pose a significant threat to global shipping trade, which heavily relies on the Red Sea route. By targeting key Houthi military assets involved in these attacks, the U.S. and the UK aim to disrupt their capabilities and deter further aggression.
The situation in Yemen remains highly volatile, with the conflict between Houthi rebels and the Saudi-led coalition intensifying over the years. The international community continues to monitor the developments closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the Yemeni crisis.
