The United States and the United Kingdom launch military operations targeting Houthi forces in Yemen.

 In an overnight operation, the United States and the United Kingdom conducted airstrikes from both air and sea against Houthi military targets in Yemen. This response was prompted by Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea, further expanding the conflict beyond the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Witnesses reported explosions across Yemen, targeting various military sites, including a base near Sanaa airport, a location near Taiz airport, a Houthi naval base in Hodeidah, and military sites in Hajjah governorate.

U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized that these targeted strikes convey a clear message that the U.S. and its partners will not tolerate attacks on their personnel or threats to freedom of navigation. The British defense ministry indicated early signs that the Houthi's ability to endanger merchant shipping had been significantly impacted. The strikes were described as self-defense measures, with no immediate plans for further action.

A Houthi military spokesperson reported 73 strikes resulting in the deaths of five fighters and injuries to six others. The spokesperson warned of retaliation, stating that the group would continue targeting ships bound for Israel. The Houthi movement, in control of much of Yemen over the past decade, has been attacking shipping in the Red Sea since October in support of Hamas.

The U.S. and its allies have deployed a naval task force to the region to safeguard ships. Earlier, U.S. and British warships had intercepted 21 drones and missiles in response to a significant Houthi attack. Iran, a supporter of both the Houthis and Hamas, condemned the U.S. and British actions. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, despite being hospitalized, stated that the strikes targeted Houthi drones, ballistic and cruise missiles, coastal radar, and air surveillance.

Russia has called for an urgent meeting of the U.N. Security Council, expressing concerns about escalating tensions. Houthi attacks have disrupted international commerce, forcing some ships to take longer routes, raising delivery costs and inflation fears. Saudi Arabia has urged restraint, emphasizing the delicate state of peace negotiations in the ongoing war against the Houthis.

The U.S. accused Iran of operational involvement in Houthi attacks, providing military capabilities and intelligence. The strikes on Yemen mark the first by the U.S. on Yemeni territory since 2016, reflecting the broader repercussions of the Israel-Hamas war that began in October. The situation has raised concerns about further escalation, with ongoing violence in various regions, including Gaza, Lebanon, the West Bank, Syria, and Iraq. The strikes in Yemen targeted specific capabilities at over a dozen locations, intending to weaken the Houthi military.


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