US and UK Launch Coordinated Strikes Against Houthi Targets in Yemen

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Unprecedented Retaliation: Massive Attack Targets Iranian-Backed Houthis

The United States and Britain, with support from Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and Bahrain, launched a significant military operation against Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen.

This retaliation follows over two dozen recent attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden attributed to the Houthis.

Anonymity and Precision: Strikes Hit Houthi Targets Ranging from Training Sites to Airfields

Speaking on condition of anonymity, U.S. officials revealed that American and British military assets carried out strikes on more than a dozen Houthi targets, including training sites, airfields, drone storage facilities, radar installations, and air defense systems. The precision strikes aimed to cripple Houthi capabilities while avoiding civilian presence.

Global Coalition: Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and Bahrain Contribute to the Operation

The military action was a joint effort involving fighter jets, surface vessels, and submarines from the United States, Britain, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and Bahrain. This international coalition sought to send a clear message against Houthi attacks on shipping and to safeguard freedom of navigation in vital commercial routes.

First Strikes Inside Yemen: Response to Persistent Attacks on Shipping

This marks the first time that Houthi targets within Yemen have been struck since the group intensified attacks on ships in the Red Sea after Hamas' attack on Israel in October. The Houthi assaults included 27 incidents since mid-November, with a notable attack using an anti-ship ballistic missile just hours before the retaliatory strikes.

Biden's Direct Response: Strikes Necessary After Diplomacy Ignored

President Joe Biden termed the strikes a "direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks" and emphasized that diplomatic efforts had been disregarded. The statement from the White House emphasized the necessity of these targeted strikes to protect personnel and international commerce, warning of further measures if needed.

The military intervention signals a robust stance against Houthi aggression and underscores the commitment of the U.S. and its allies to maintain stability in critical maritime routes. As tensions persist, the international community closely watches the evolving situation in the region.