US And UK Launch Strikes Against Iran-Backed Houthis In Yemen

In a joint military operation, the United States and the United Kingdom conducted a significant retaliatory strike against Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen. The attack involved the use of Tomahawk missiles launched from warships and submarines, as well as fighter jets. The U.S. Air Force’s Mideast command targeted over 60 locations at 16 sites within Yemen, including command-and-control nodes, munitions depots, launching systems, production facilities, and air defense radar systems.

President Joe Biden emphasized that the strikes aimed to demonstrate that the U.S. and its allies would not tolerate the Houthi group’s relentless attacks on the Red Sea. The decision followed diplomatic efforts and careful consideration, with the President stating that these measures were a response to unprecedented Houthi attacks on international maritime vessels.

Residents in Hodieda reported hearing explosions, indicating successful strikes in the western port area controlled by the Houthis. Similar reports came from Taiz and Dhamar, cities south of the capital, Sanaa.

The military action came after a week of warnings to the Houthis, following a series of drone and missile attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. The international community, including the U.K., Netherlands, Canada, Bahrain, Australia, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand, and South Korea, expressed support for de-escalation but affirmed their commitment to defending lives and protecting commerce in the vital waterway.

Russia, however, called for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council to discuss the airstrikes, scheduled for the following day. The Houthi rebels, who had warned of retaliation, vowed a more significant response. Despite the strikes aiming to degrade Houthi capabilities, the situation remains tense, with potential for further developments in the region.