London, UK – The United States and the United Kingdom joined forces to conduct strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, making it the fourth time the international coalition has launched a combined attack on the Iran-backed rebel group. These strikes hit 18 targets across eight locations, including underground weapons storage facilities, missile storage facilities, and air defense systems.
Four Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets, supported by two Voyager tankers, participated in the coalition strikes, as confirmed by the British Ministry of Defence. The recent strikes occurred following an increase in attacks by the Houthis on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, causing disruptions and a decrease in ships transiting through the Suez Canal.
The coalition has condemned the Houthi attacks on commercial and naval vessels in the region, calling them a threat to the global economy that requires an international response. The Pentagon acknowledged the sophistication of the Houthi weapons, noting that they continue to receive support from Iran.
Recent attacks by the Houthis, including missile launches on American ships and oil tankers, have raised concerns about their capabilities and the ongoing threat they pose to maritime security. Despite efforts to disrupt the Houthi’s ability to target commercial and warships, the attacks have persisted, prompting discussions on alternative strategies.
The US and the international coalition remain committed to defending lives and the free flow of commerce in the region, signaling that the strikes will continue if the attacks on international shipping do not cease. The situation in Yemen underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region, highlighting the challenges of addressing security threats in critical waterways.