12-1-2024 (WASHINGTON) In a joint military operation, the United States and Britain carried out airstrikes against targets affiliated with the Houthi movement in Yemen on Thursday. This marks the first response to the Houthi group’s recent actions targeting international shipping in the Red Sea.
Reports suggest that the strikes involved the use of fighter jets and Tomahawk missiles, although US officials have not immediately confirmed these details. President Joe Biden stated that the strikes were conducted with the support of Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands.
The decision to launch the airstrikes was framed as a direct response to the Houthi attacks on international maritime vessels in the Red Sea. President Biden emphasized that these attacks posed a threat to US personnel, civilian mariners, partners, trade, and the freedom of navigation.
In a coordinated effort, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that the British Royal Air Force, in collaboration with the US, executed targeted strikes against the Houthi targets. He affirmed that the Royal Navy would continue patrolling the Red Sea as part of a multinational operation aimed at deterring further Houthi aggression.
Houthi officials confirmed the occurrence of “raids” across the country, including in the capital Sanaa, Saada, Dhamar, and the Hodeidah governorate. They described the strikes as “American-Zionist-British aggression.”
The ongoing military actions in Yemen represent a significant escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East. While specific details about the targets remain unconfirmed, witnesses reported strikes on various locations, including a military base near Sanaa airport, a military site near Taiz airport, a Houthi naval base in Hodeidah, and military sites in the Hajjah governorate.
The Saudi Arabian foreign ministry issued a statement calling for restraint and urging all parties to avoid escalation. Saudi Arabia, engaged in peace talks with the Houthis, expressed “great concern” while emphasizing the importance of maintaining security and stability in the Red Sea region.
