The Pentagon announced late Thursday that a series of strikes had been conducted in Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen, targeting more than 60 locations. The strikes, carried out by the U.S. and its allies, aimed at command and control nodes, munitions depots, launching systems, production facilities, radar installations, and air defense systems. The Houthi rebel group confirmed casualties but did not specify the targets that were hit. The U.S. President Joe Biden referred to the strikes as a direct response to Houthi attacks on international shipping, emphasizing the need to protect personnel and ensure the free flow of international commerce. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also condemned the Houthi attacks and confirmed the participation of British fighter jets in the strikes. This marks the first time Houthi targets inside Yemen have been struck since the militants began attacking ships in the Red Sea. Initial assessments suggest that the strikes have significantly degraded Houthi capabilities. The U.S. officials warned of consequences for the Houthi attacks, highlighting Iran’s role in supporting the group. The United States and 12 allies previously issued a statement calling for an immediate end to the attacks on shipping. The U.N. Security Council also urged the Houthis to stop the attacks. Concerns remain about the effectiveness of these statements and strikes in deterring Iran. U.S. officials are prepared for potential Houthi responses but have dismissed initial claims of attacks as disinformation. This is not the first time the U.S. military has targeted Houthi launch sites in Yemen in response to militant attacks on vessels. In 2016, Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched to degrade the Houthi’s tracking and targeting capabilities.
The United States and its allies carried out a series of strikes on Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen in response to Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea. The strikes targeted over 60 locations, including command centers, munitions depots, and radar installations. The U.S. alone dropped more than 100 precision guided munitions, while naval vessels and submarines fired Tomahawk missiles. The Houthi rebel group confirmed that at least five fighters were killed and six others wounded. U.S. President Joe Biden called the strikes a direct response to the Houthi attacks and emphasized the need to protect freedom of navigation. U.S. officials believe that the strikes significantly degraded Houthi capabilities. The Houthi attacks have impacted citizens, cargo, and vessels from over 50 countries. Before the strikes, the U.S. and its allies warned the Houthis and Iran against their reckless and illegal behavior. The U.N. Security Council also issued a resolution calling on the Houthis to stop the attacks immediately. There are doubts about whether the strikes and statements will deter Iran’s support for the Houthis. However, U.S. officials do not believe the situation will escalate beyond Yemen.
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