The U.S. and U.K. on Monday launched multiple airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen in an effort to prevent further attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The retaliatory strikes come amid repeated Houthi assaults despite previous military action taken by the coalition.
The joint statement from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands emphasized that these targeted strikes were necessary to disrupt and degrade the Houthi militants’ capabilities. The statement cited a series of Houthi actions, including anti-ship ballistic missile and unmanned aerial system attacks on U.S.-owned merchant vessels, as justification for the airstrikes.
The latest round of airstrikes specifically targeted a Houthi underground storage site and locations associated with their missile and air surveillance capabilities. The nations involved asserted their commitment to de-escalating tensions and restoring stability in the region, while also vowing to defend the free flow of commerce and protect innocent lives.
Monday’s operations were similar to the initial airstrikes conducted on January 11, which targeted 28 Houthi locations linked to attacks on commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Since then, the U.S. has carried out five smaller-scale airstrikes, specifically targeting Houthi missile sites preparing for imminent launches against commercial vessels or U.S. Navy ships.
However, despite previous military actions, the Houthi militants have persisted in launching missiles and drones at commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The number of attacks has now surpassed 30 since mid-November. This ongoing threat was discussed earlier on Monday during a phone call between President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. They expressed their commitment to defending mariners from illegal attacks and emphasized the importance of preserving freedom of navigation and international commerce.
In addition to the Houthi issue, the leaders touched on other pressing matters. They underscored the need to increase humanitarian aid and civilian protections in Gaza and to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Furthermore, they reiterated their support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russia’s aggression.
The airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen reflect a determined effort to safeguard global trade and protect innocent lives. The international coalition involved remains steadfast in its mission to de-escalate tensions while ensuring the free flow of commerce in one of the most critical waterways in the world. Despite repeated Houthi attacks, the involved nations continue to take effective action in response.
