The United States and the United Kingdom, in collaboration with allies, launch targeted missile strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen to safeguard commercial and naval vessel navigation through the Red Sea.
The United States and the United Kingdom, with the support of allies including Australia, Bahrain, and Canada, have carried out a series of missile strikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen. This joint operation, the fourth of its kind since January 12, 2024, aimed to counteract the Houthi’s escalated attacks on commercial and naval vessels navigating through the Red Sea, a vital global trade route. The precision strikes focused on degrading the capabilities of the Iran-backed group by targeting 18 locations involved in military operations, including sites for weapons, missile storage, unmanned aerial systems, radars, long-range drones used for reconnaissance and attacks, and facilities for launching missiles and drones.
The Houthi militia’s actions have threatened international commerce and regional stability by persistently attacking ships, causing disruptions in shipping routes and environmental hazards, such as an 18-mile oil slick resulting from the attack on a Belize-flagged vessel carrying fertiliser. In response, US and UK defense officials have articulated the necessity of these operations to protect lives at sea, ensure freedom of navigation, and prevent further harm to the global economy and environment.
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps underscored their commitments to defending strategic interests in the Red Sea and protecting vital sea lanes from Houthi aggression. Despite these efforts, Houthi attacks have persisted, with at least 57 incidents reported since November, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.
The coordinated military actions represent an international response aimed at deterring further aggression by the Houthi group, ensuring the safety of vital maritime routes, and protecting commercial ships and crews from hostile acts.
