Coalition Strikes Aim to Halt Attacks on Shipping Lanes
The United States and the United Kingdom joined forces to conduct “more than a dozen” airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen over the weekend. This latest round of military actions, the fourth since January 11, is a strategic move to pressure the Houthis into ceasing their assaults on commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea.
Multiple Countries Contribute to Airstrikes
The coordinated airstrikes, involving a coalition of nations such as Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, targeted 18 Houthi sites across eight locations in Yemen. The strikes focused on various Houthi installations, including underground weapons storage facilities, missile storage facilities, unmanned aerial systems, air defense systems, radars, and even a helicopter.
U.S. Stresses the Importance of Defense and Commerce
Highlighting the significance of safeguarding lives and ensuring the free flow of commerce, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the country’s commitment to defending critical waterways. The U.S. Central Command revealed that over 30 self-defense strikes had been carried out against Houthi weaponry poised for attacks on commercial and U.S. Navy vessels.
Coalition Warns Houthis Amid Ongoing Attacks
Despite the barrage of strikes, the Houthis have persisted in launching missiles and drones at ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. U.S. officials have condemned these actions, stressing that the attacks not only disrupt regional stability but also pose a threat to global commerce. The coalition of nations remains steadfast in holding the Houthis accountable for their illegal assaults on commercial and naval vessels.
Houthis’ Attacks Tied to Regional Conflicts
The Houthis have justified their attacks by linking them to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, U.S. officials have refuted these claims, stating that many targeted ships have no affiliation with Israel or the Gaza conflict. The international response underscores the need to address the Houthis’ actions, which jeopardize global economic interests and regional security.