US, UK Strike Iran-Backed Houthi Targets In Yemen After Red Sea Attacks

US and UK forces have initiated strikes against the Houthi rebels. This marks the first time such actions have been taken against the Iran-backed group since it began targeting international shipping in the Red Sea late last year.

The first strikes in Yemen since the Houthi movement, backed by Iran, began targeting international shipping in the Red Sea last year were initiated by the United States and Britain. 

Witnesses in Yemen reported explosions across the country to Reuters, prompting President Joe Biden to issue a statement on Thursday cautioning that he would not hesitate to take additional action if necessary.

"These targeted strikes send a clear message that the United States and our allies will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or threats to freedom of navigation," stated President Biden. The UK's Ministry of Defense reported that early indications suggest a significant impact on the Houthis' ability to threaten merchant shipping.

A Houthi official referred to the strikes in the capital Sanaa, Saada, Dhamar, and Hodeidah governorate as "American-Zionist-British aggression." The ongoing strikes represent a notable escalation in the broader Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East since October.

According to an anonymous U.S. official, the strikes involve aircraft, ships, and submarines targeting over a dozen locations. The intention is to weaken Houthi military capabilities rather than being merely symbolic.

The Houthis, controlling most of Yemen, have disregarded international calls to cease missile and drone attacks on Red Sea shipping routes, citing support for Hamas. The Houthi attacks have disrupted international commerce on a crucial route between Europe and Asia, constituting approximately 15% of global shipping traffic.

Witnesses reported strikes on military bases near Sanaa and Taiz airports, a Houthi naval base in Hodeidah, and military sites in Hajjah governorate. The Houthis' leader warned of a response to any U.S. attack earlier on Thursday.

The Houthis, who seized much of Yemen in a civil war, have vowed to attack ships linked to Israel or bound for Israeli ports. However, many of the targeted ships have had no links to Israel.

27 Attacks by Houthis on ships

On Thursday, the U.S. military reported that the Houthis launched an anti-ship ballistic missile into international shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden, marking the 27th attack by the group since November 19.

The overnight strikes in Yemen occurred shortly after the Houthis' largest attack on January 9 in the Red Sea. During that incident, U.S. and British naval forces had to intercept and neutralize 21 Houthi drones and missiles aimed at the southern Red Sea. The U.S. military characterized this event as a complex attack.

President Biden, in his statement, asserted that the Houthis specifically targeted American ships. The ongoing pattern of attacks raises concerns about the security of international shipping lanes in the region.

In December, more than 20 countries agreed to participate in a U.S.-led coalition, known as Operation Prosperity Guardian, safeguarding commercial traffic in the Red Sea. However, the U.S. and British strikes are taking place outside that defensive coalition.

Biden said Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands supported the operation.

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