In a joint military operation, the United States and the United Kingdom, supported by a coalition including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, conducted strikes against 36 Houthi targets in Yemen. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized that the collective action aims to deter Houthi attacks on international shipping and naval vessels, signaling the consequences the group will face if such actions persist.
The strikes, conducted on Saturday, targeted 13 locations associated with the Houthi militia’s weapons storage facilities, missile systems, launchers, air defense systems, and radars. The operation intends to disrupt and degrade the capabilities of the Iranian-backed Houthi militia, particularly their destabilizing attacks on vessels transiting the Red Sea.
A joint statement issued by the US, the UK, and coalition partners underscored the necessity of the strikes in response to the Houthi’s continued aggression against international and commercial shipping, as well as naval vessels in the Red Sea. The precision strikes aim to safeguard global trade and protect the lives of innocent mariners, in light of the series of illegal and dangerous Houthi actions since previous coalition strikes in January 2024.
The coalition expressed its commitment to upholding the rules-based order and protecting freedom of navigation and international commerce. While emphasizing the aim to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea, the statement issued a warning to the Houthi leadership, asserting that the coalition will not hesitate to defend lives and ensure the free flow of commerce in one of the world’s most critical waterways.
