Red Sea attacks: US, UK launch strikes against Houthis

Red Sea attacks: US, UK launch strikes against Houthis

 

The United States and United Kingdom have launched strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen to disrupt and degrade the capabilities of rebels to attack shipping in the Red Sea and protect global trade.

The US and UK, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, launched a series of targeted strikes against military facilities used by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

“This action is intended to disrupt and degrade the Houthi’s capabilities to endanger mariners and threaten global trade in one of the world’s most critical waterways. Today’s coalition action sends a clear message to the Houthis that they will bear further costs if they do not end their illegal attacks,” US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd J Austin III said.

The strikes targeted sites related to the Houthi’s unmanned aerial vehicle, ballistic and cruise missile, and coastal radar and air surveillance capabilities.

Houthi rebels have attacked many vessels in the Red Sea since November 19, 2023 and launched continued drone and missile offensives that have either been intercepted by allied forces or failed to reach their target.

Despite claims by the Houthi to be targeting Israeli-linked vessels or those trading with Israel, many of the attacks have appeared indiscriminate in nature.



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