The United States and the United Kingdom have carried out a recent set of collaborative airstrikes targeting Houthi objectives in Yemen.
As stated by the Pentagon, the strikes conducted on Monday targeted eight locations, including an underground storage facility, and Houthi missile and surveillance capabilities.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, have been attacking ships they allege are associated with Israel and Western nations navigating the crucial Red Sea trade route.
The US and UK asserted that their actions aimed to safeguard the “unimpeded flow of commerce.”
In a joint statement released by the Pentagon, it confirmed the implementation of “an additional round of proportionate and necessary strikes” against the Houthi forces.
Eighth US Strike on Yemen’s Houthis, UK Joins Again
This marks the eighth instance of the US conducting strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, with the second joint operation involving the UK following joint strikes on January 11.
Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron emphasized that the UK aimed to convey a “clear message” and intends to persist in degrading the Houthis’ capacity to carry out attacks.
When questioned about potential escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Lord Cameron asserted that it is the Houthis who are escalating the situation, expressing confidence in the effectiveness of previous strikes.
He further stated that the Houthis’ narrative linking the strikes to the Israel-Hamas conflict should not be accepted.
The UK advocates for a swift resolution to the conflict in Gaza and has called for an “immediate humanitarian pause,” with the goal of transforming it into a permanent, sustainable ceasefire. Lord Cameron plans to present this proposal during his visit to the region this week.
Houthis Persist After Decade Since US-UK Joint Strike
A decade after the initial meticulously orchestrated joint air and missile strike conducted by the United States and the United Kingdom, the Houthis remain resistant.
Persistently, they have launched an assortment of projectiles toward shipping along Yemen’s coastline, inadvertently targeting a vessel transporting Russian oil in one instance.
Operational under the newly designated name Operation Poseidon Archer, the US-led strikes have targeted additional sites following previous pre-emptive strikes on Houthi launch sites.
According to the Pentagon, these strikes successfully neutralized missiles as they were undergoing preparations for launch.
Recent assessments by Western intelligence indicate that a minimum of 30% of Houthi missile stocks has been either destroyed or significantly impaired.
Despite these setbacks, the Houthis, backed by Iran in terms of supply, training, and guidance, show a determined resolve to persist in their assaults on shipping perceived to have affiliations with Israel, the United States, or the United Kingdom.
These actions have garnered substantial support within their home region, where many Yemenis have been enduring the harsh rule imposed by the Houthis.