US and UK conduct multiple strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen

US and UK Conduct Strikes on Houthi Targets in Yemen

The US and UK, supported by several other countries, have launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen as part of a joint operation. The strikes were carried out using air and surface platforms, including fighter jets. According to US officials, at least 30 targets across 10 locations were hit. These targets included command and control centers, underground weapons storage facilities, and other weapons used by the Houthis to target international shipping lanes.

De-escalating Tensions and Ensuring Stability

The aim of these strikes is to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea. In a joint statement with Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, the US and UK reiterated their warning to Houthi leadership. They emphasized their commitment to defending lives and the free flow of commerce in one of the world’s most critical waterways in the face of continued threats.

A Multi-Tiered Response

The strikes in Yemen come as part of the Biden administration’s multi-tiered response to a drone attack that targeted US service members. The US has chosen to indirectly target powerful proxies in the region, rather than directly attacking Iran, in order to avoid a regional war. This approach is meant to send a message to Iran’s leadership and address the actions of the militant organizations it supports.

Distinct Strikes in Yemen, Iraq, and Syria

It is important to note that the strikes in Yemen are separate from the attacks in Iraq and Syria. While all these strikes target Iranian-backed groups in the Middle East, the Yemen strikes are in response to Houthi attacks on international shipping lanes and US warships in the Red Sea. The strikes in Iraq and Syria, on the other hand, are a retaliation for a deadly attack on US troops.

Disrupting the Houthi Militia

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the recent strikes in Yemen were intended to further disrupt and degrade the capabilities of the Houthi militia. The US wants to send a clear message to the Houthis that their illegal attacks on international shipping and naval vessels will not be tolerated. Defending lives and maintaining the free flow of commerce in critical waterways remains a top priority.

A Series of Strikes

The strikes in Yemen on the F/A-18s are the third time the US and UK have targeted Houthi sites in recent weeks. Previous strikes have focused on weapons storage facilities and radar sites, with the goal of preventing Houthi attacks on international shipping lanes. Despite these strikes, the Houthis have remained defiant and vowed to confront what they see as aggression from the US and UK.

Smaller Attacks on Houthi Weaponry

In addition to the larger scale strikes, the US has also carried out smaller attacks on Houthi weaponry. Recently, US forces successfully struck four Houthi drones that posed an imminent threat to shipping lanes and US warships. Furthermore, a guided missile destroyer and an F/A-18 fighter jet intercepted and destroyed a total of eight drones over the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

This joint operation reflects the commitment of the US, UK, and their allies to protecting international shipping routes and maintaining stability in the region. While the strikes aim to disrupt Houthi capabilities, the ultimate goal is to de-escalate tensions and restore peace.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNN’s Kaanita Iyer contributed to this report.

Read More of this Story at www.cnn.com – 2024-02-03 22:19:00