- US and UK conduct airstrikes in Yemen, targeting Houthi militants to prevent attacks on ships in the Red Sea; White House claims airstrikes have been effective.
- The recent airstrikes involved a combination of American and British fighter aircraft, as well as ship-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles; Senior US military officials state strikes impact Houthi capabilities but don’t guarantee prevention of future strikes.
- A statement from multiple nations involved in the joint airstrikes emphasizes de-escalating tensions and restoring stability in the region while defending lives and commerce in critical waterways if necessary; US has carried out additional airstrikes targeting Houthi missile sites.
Additional Coverage:
The United States and the United Kingdom conducted airstrikes in Yemen on Monday, targeting eight locations in an effort to prevent Iran-backed Houthi militants from attacking ships in the Red Sea. Despite ongoing Houthi attacks, the White House claims that the airstrikes have been effective. U.S. Central Command stated that the airstrikes, separate from Operation Prosperity Guardian, targeted missile systems, air defense systems, radars, and weapons storage facilities. This included the first strike on an underground storage facility containing advanced conventional weaponry. The targets were specifically chosen as they stored missiles and drones.
Similar to the January 11 airstrike, the recent airstrikes involved a combination of American and British fighter aircraft, as well as ship-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles. Fighter jets took off from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier, which is currently deployed in the Red Sea. Senior U.S. military officials stated that while Monday’s strikes had an impact on the Houthi’s military capabilities, it does not guarantee they are unable to strike again.
The joint airstrikes were announced in a statement released by the nations involved, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands. The statement emphasized the objective of de-escalating tensions and restoring stability in the region. However, it warned that the countries involved would defend lives and commerce in the critical waterways if necessary. This joint strike with the United Kingdom mirrored the January 11 airstrikes that targeted 28 Houthi locations associated with attacks on commercial shipping lanes.
Since the initial airstrikes, the U.S. has carried out five smaller scale airstrikes, specifically targeting Houthi missile sites being prepared for imminent launches. Despite these actions, the Houthis continue to launch missiles and drones at commercial ships, with over 30 attacks occurring since mid-November. Last week, two U.S.-owned vessels were damaged, but there were no injuries reported.
Earlier on Monday, President Joe Biden spoke with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak regarding the threat posed by the Houthis to commercial shipping. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to freedom of navigation, international commerce, and the defense of mariners. Their conversation also addressed the importance of increasing humanitarian aid, civilian protections in Gaza, and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas. Additionally, they expressed support for Ukraine against Russia’s aggression.