The United States and the United Kingdom have jointly carried out a second wave of airstrikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen. The latest strikes were aimed at an underground storage site and facilities related to the Houthis’ missile and air surveillance capabilities. This joint action, which also included participation from Bahrain, Australia, Canada, and the Netherlands, was announced in a collective statement.
The move comes in response to Houthi attacks on international and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, which have been deemed a challenge to international security. The Ministry of Defence in the UK stated that four RAF Typhoons, supported by Voyager tankers, were involved in the operation. Precision-guided Paveway IV bombs were utilized to hit multiple targets near Sanaa airfield. These sites were reportedly used by the Houthis to facilitate attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
The Ministry of Defence emphasized that thorough analysis was conducted to minimize civilian casualties, including choosing to conduct the strikes at night.
The Houthis, who support Hamas, have been targeting ships they allege are linked to Israel or heading to Israeli ports, but some attacks have also involved vessels from various other countries. Reports from Houthi media indicate that Sanaa, the Yemeni capital, was among the areas targeted. Residents like Jamal Hassan in south Sanaa reported close-proximity strikes, which triggered car alarms and caused panic.
Rishi Sunak, the UK Prime Minister, and US President Joe Biden discussed the ongoing maritime attacks and efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in a phone call earlier today, as confirmed by the White House.
The first major airstrikes by American and British forces on Houthi targets in Yemen took place less than two weeks ago as a direct response to Red Sea shipping attacks. The UK Ministry of Defence had assured that the initial attacks were conducted with extreme care to avoid civilian casualties, particularly by opting for nighttime operations.
Yemeni press agency SABA reported that the first round of UK/US attacks targeted Sanaa and several governorates, resulting in casualties and vows of retaliation from Houthi officials.
