US and UK Unleash Massive Strikes on Yemen’s Houthis

American and British military forces have initiated a series of strikes targeting 18 locations associated with the Houthi rebels in Yemen. This action comes as a response to the Houthis’ continued aggression against Red Sea shipping lanes, with support from Iran. The operation aimed at various Houthi military assets including weapon storage sites, drones, air defense mechanisms, radars, and a helicopter. This collaborative effort, the second of its kind this month and the fourth since the rebels escalated their maritime attacks, also received backing from Australia, Bahrain, Denmark, Canada, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.

The statement issued by the coalition highlighted the Houthis’ responsibility for over 45 assaults on commercial and military vessels since mid-November, emphasizing the threat these actions pose to global economic stability and regional peace. It called for an international reaction to these provocations.

Following the strikes, loud explosions were reported in Sanaa, the capital held by the rebels, indicating the intensity of the military actions. The Pentagon, through Lloyd Austin, expressed the United States’ commitment to protecting international commerce and responding to any threats in crucial maritime corridors.

The Houthis, undeterred by the strikes, have promised to retaliate with more military actions in the Red and Arab Seas. The UK’s Ministry of Defence specifically mentioned targeting Houthi drones designed for reconnaissance and attacks, indicating the precision of these operations.

Recent incidents include attacks on merchant ships in the region, notably the Rubymar, which was compelled to evacuate its crew after sustaining damage. Additionally, the British maritime security agency reported an explosion near a vessel by Djibouti, which fortunately resulted in no injuries or damage.

The United States, alongside joint efforts with the UK, has also independently targeted Houthi military capabilities in Yemen, intercepting missiles and drones aimed at disrupting Red Sea shipping routes. The Houthis have declared that their maritime attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, facing an Israeli offensive, thus extending their aggression towards American and British interests as legitimate targets.

The conflict in Gaza has intensified regional tensions, fueling acts of violence by Iran-supported groups throughout the Middle East.