Washington: In a joint military operation, the United States and the United Kingdom launched precision strikes against Houthi rebel positions in Yemen. These strikes were carried out in response to a series of escalating attacks on ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden by local Iran-backed militias. Here are the key details:
- Targeted Locations:
- Eighteen Houthi targets were hit across eight locations in Yemen.
- The strikes focused on underground weapons and missile storage facilities, as well as air defense systems, radars, and a helicopter.
- Reason for Strikes:
- Recent attacks on the region’s US- and UK-registered ships prompted this action.
- The Houthis have carried out over 45 attacks on commercial and naval vessels since mid-November, posing a threat to global trade and regional security.
- Military Collaboration:
- The militaries of the US and UK, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, conducted these strikes.
- Their goal was to disrupt and degrade the capabilities used by the Houthis to threaten maritime trade and innocent mariners in critical waterways.
- US Defense Secretary’s Statement:
- Lloyd Austin emphasized that these strikes aimed to disrupt and degrade the Iranian-backed Houthi militia.
- The message to the Houthis is clear: If they do not cease their illegal attacks, they will face consequences that impact Middle Eastern economies, environmental stability, and humanitarian aid delivery to Yemen and other countries.
- Houthi Response:
- The Houthi rebels condemned the aggression by the US and UK.
- Despite the strikes, they vowed to continue military operations.
This marks the fourth joint operation against the Houthi rebels by US and UK forces since January 12, underscoring the seriousness of the situation in the region.
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