Joint US-UK Coalition Strikes 18 Houthi Targets
US and Allies Target Houthi Militants in Yemen to Protect Global Trade
The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) has released a statement detailing recent military actions targeting Houthi militants in Yemen. The statement reveals that underground weapons warehouses, unmanned aerial vehicle systems, air defense systems, radars, and a Houthi-controlled helicopter were among the targets. These attacks were carried out with the goal of reducing the threat posed by the Houthis to global trade and innocent lives in the Red Sea.
The coordinated attacks were conducted by the USA and the UK, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. A total of 18 Houthi targets in 8 different locations in Yemen were struck in response to ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
The situation in the Red Sea has been tense due to actions taken by Iran-backed Houthi militants. Following clashes with commercial ships off the coast of Yemen, which they claimed were linked to Israeli companies, the Houthis launched attacks using unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles. US forces have intercepted missiles and kamikaze drones fired from Yemen on multiple occasions.
In response to the escalating threats, many shipping companies have halted their voyages in the Red Sea. To address the security concerns in the region, a multinational “maritime task force” known as “Operation Welfare Guardian” was established on December 18, 2023, with the participation of several countries.
Recent incidents, including the interception of Houthi speedboats and attacks on a US ship allegedly supporting Israel, have intensified the conflict. The United Nations Security Council has called for an immediate end to the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, emphasizing the importance of maintaining global maritime trade security.
With the Suez Canal serving as a critical artery for approximately 12 percent of global trade, the stability of the Red Sea region is crucial for international commerce and security. The recent military actions against the Houthi militants aim to safeguard these vital interests and ensure the protection of innocent lives at sea.
