The United States confirms a new wave of joint military strikes with the United Kingdom in Yemen

The United States and the United Kingdom launched a joint military action this Saturday against the Houthis in Yemen, targeting 13 locations associated with the group’s weapons storage facilities, missile launchers, air defense systems, and radars. This move comes in response to the Houthis’ attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The Pentagon, in a statement, stated that these attacks aim to disrupt and degrade the capabilities of the Iranian-backed Houthis and send a clear message that further consequences will follow if they continue their illegal attacks on international shipping and warships. The coalition operation received support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.

In addition to the military action, the US Central Command (Centcom) reported shooting down a dozen drones in the Red Sea. Centcom identified cruise missiles in areas controlled by the Houthis, posing an imminent threat to US Navy ships and merchant vessels. These actions aim to protect freedom of navigation and ensure the safety of international waters for the US Navy and merchant ships.

The Houthis, supported by Iran, have carried out numerous attacks on commercial ships in retaliation for Israel’s offensive on the Gaza Strip. The recent retaliatory strikes against the group coincide with the US bombing of targets in Iraq and Syria linked to Iran, in response to a drone attack that caused the death of three American soldiers. US President Joe Biden has expressed the desire to avoid conflict in the Middle East while warning of a forceful response to any attack.