U.S. and UK Launch Waves of Strikes, Houthi Threats Degrading, US

U.S. and British officials express optimism after launching a second wave of strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen. The strikes were carried out in retaliation for weeks of Houthi attacks that have disrupted shipping and damaged vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The initial assessment indicates that the strikes have been successful in degrading the Houthis’ ability to launch further attacks. The U.S. and Britain targeted multiple locations, including command and control nodes, munitions depots, launching systems, and production facilities. Despite the optimistic assessments, officials believe that the Houthis are likely to retaliate. In response, the U.S. warns of additional consequences if the attacks persist. The U.S. also unveils new sanctions aimed at commodity shipments that have been funding the Houthis and their Iranian backers. The Houthis have been responsible for at least 28 attacks since mid-November, affecting citizens, cargo, and vessels from over 50 countries. The United States and its allies have been actively working to protect ships from Houthi attacks, and since the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian, over 1,500 vessels have passed safely through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The UN Security Council has also issued a resolution calling on the Houthis to stop the attacks immediately.