US and UK Unleash Fresh Strikes on Houthi Sites in Yemen

On Tuesday, the United Kingdom reiterated its commitment to impeding the capabilities of Yemen’s Houthi rebels to threaten Red Sea shipping, following recent joint airstrikes with the United States on the Iran-supported group.

British Foreign Minister David Cameron, addressing broadcasters, emphasized the ongoing efforts to degrade the Houthis’ abilities to conduct such attacks, underscoring that their actions are met with decisive responses. He conveyed that both the UK and the US are firmly behind their words with actions.

These latest airstrikes, conducted by the US and British militaries, targeted eight locations in Yemen used by the Houthis, marking the second time these allies have carried out coordinated strikes against the rebel group’s missile-launch capabilities.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels warned on Tuesday of retaliation for the military strikes, with their spokesperson Yahya Saree stating on X (formerly Twitter) that 18 raids had been conducted in various provinces, including Sanaa, Hodeida, Taez, and Al-Bayda.

Officials revealed that the US and UK employed Tomahawk missiles launched from warships and submarines, along with fighter jets, to destroy Houthi missile storage facilities, drones, and launchers. These officials, speaking anonymously, noted the involvement of Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands in the mission, providing intelligence and surveillance support.

In their joint statement, the allied nations specified that the strikes focused on a Houthi underground storage site and locations related to their missile and air surveillance capabilities. They emphasized their goal to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea, warning the Houthis of continued defense against threats to vital maritime routes.

The UK’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the participation of four Royal Air Force Typhoon jets, which attacked multiple military targets near Sanaa airfield with precision-guided bombs. According to Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, these strikes aimed to diminish Houthi capabilities, impacting their stockpiles and ability to threaten international trade.

A senior US military official reported that the strikes, involving 25 to 30 munitions, effectively hit multiple targets, including advanced weapons in an underground facility. This marked the first targeting of such advanced armaments. The official detailed that fighter jets from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier participated, alongside other naval vessels including the USS Gravely, USS Mason, and USS Philippine Sea.

This operation follows a previous joint US and British military action against Houthi targets, part of an ongoing response to Houthi drone and missile attacks on commercial ships since the Israel-Hamas war began in October.

The Houthi media office reported that the latest raids targeted various areas in Sanaa. Residents in southern Sanaa, including Jamal Hassan, reported nearby strikes, with an Associated Press journalist also confirming overhead aircraft.

Al-Masirah, a Houthi-run news channel, identified specific strike locations in Sanaa, including al-Dailami Air Base, Sarif, and al-Hafa.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden had discussed the situation, agreeing on the necessity of targeted military actions to degrade Houthi capabilities.

The recent series of allied attacks marks the eighth instance of US-led strikes on Houthi sites since January 12, following almost daily assaults on missile launchers. These rapid response missions target armed and ready-to-fire launchers, demonstrating an increased capability to monitor and strike militant activities in Yemen.

Despite these retaliatory strikes, the Houthis have maintained their campaign against Red Sea shipping, with the broader regional war seemingly drawing closer. The Houthis claim their attacks target vessels linked to Israel or heading to Israeli ports in retaliation for Israeli military actions in Gaza. However, the validity of these claims has become increasingly dubious.

The US and allies have warned of consequences for weeks, culminating in a final warning on January 3. Nevertheless, the Houthis have persisted in their attacks, occasionally targeting US Navy and US-owned ships, as well as a variety of commercial vessels.

While the US has conducted most of the eight strike missions this month alone, joint operations with Britain have also taken place. Several of these strikes were in self-defense, targeting missiles poised for launch. The latest strike on Saturday disabled a Houthi anti-ship missile prepared for launch into the Gulf of Aden, as confirmed by Central Command.

In addition to military actions, the Biden administration has re-designated the Houthis as a specially designated global terrorist group, aiming to cut off their financial support while ensuring continued humanitarian aid to Yemen.

US defense officials believe these strikes have weakened the Houthis’ weapons and strike capabilities. However, President Biden and others recognize that Iran’s support equips the Houthis to persist with their attacks.

The Houthis, for their part, have expressed their determination to continue their assault. Following the first joint US and British attack, Houthi Foreign Ministry official Hussein al-Ezzi warned of significant consequences for the aggression.

The ongoing conflict has prompted extraordinary measures to protect commercial vessels in the Red Sea through Operation Prosperity Guardian. This joint mission provides a protective shield for ships in this critical waterway, extending from the Suez Canal to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Approximately 400 commercial vessels navigate the southern Red Sea at any given time. The violence has led companies to reroute ships around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope, a longer and less efficient route.