The United States and United Kingdom Bombs Houthi Sites in Yemen in Response to Attacks on Ships
In a joint military action, the United States and the United Kingdom bombed over a dozen Houthi sites in Yemen in response to the rebel group’s attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The attacks were carried out as a result of Israel’s war on Gaza, with the goal of disrupting and degrading the capabilities of the Iranian-backed Houthi militia.
The military action targeted 18 Houthi sites across eight locations, including weapons and missile storage facilities, air defense systems, radars, and a helicopter. This marks the fourth time since January 12 that the US and UK militaries have conducted joint attacks against the Houthis.
Several countries, including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, supported the strikes. However, the Houthis responded by pledging more military operations against hostile targets in the Red and Arab Seas, escalating tensions in the region.
The conflict has resulted in at least 57 attacks on commercial and military ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since November 19. Most recently, the US confirmed an attack on the MV Torm Thor tanker by an antiship ballistic missile, which luckily caused no damage or injuries. The UKMTO also reported an explosion near an unspecified ship near the port of Djibouti, with no casualties reported.
The Houthis have further claimed responsibility for attacks on a UK-owned cargo ship, a US destroyer, and Israel’s port and resort city of Eilat using ballistic missiles and drones. Concerns have been raised regarding the environmental impact of the attack on the UK-registered Rubymar cargo vessel carrying fertiliser that could potentially spill into the Red Sea.
The conflict, stemming from Israel’s war on Gaza, has also led to Lebanon’s Hezbollah group trading fire with Israel and pro-Iran Iraqi militia attacking bases hosting US forces. The situation in the region remains tense as military actions and attacks continue to escalate.
