The United States and the United Kingdom have carried out a joint military operation targeting Houthi positions in Yemen, marking the fourth such operation since January 12, 2024. This response comes amidst a backdrop of increased Houthi aggression against commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea, with over 57 attacks reported since November 19, 2023. The operation saw American and British fighter jets hitting 18 Houthi targets across Yemen, including missile storage facilities, launchers, rockets, drones, and unmanned vehicles. The targeted strikes aim to mitigate the threat posed by the Iran-supported Houthi group to global trade and maritime security.

President Joe Biden emphasized that the United States will not tolerate the Houthi attacks on commercial shipping, which have escalated in recent times, including the targeting of an American-owned tanker. The Pentagon has highlighted the sophistication of the Houthi’s arsenal, attributing their capabilities to Iranian support. This joint military action by the US and UK seeks to degrade the Houthi militia’s ability to conduct further attacks, which have significantly disrupted maritime traffic, especially in vital waterways like the Suez Canal trade route.

The UK’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that RAF Typhoon FGR4s participated in the coalition strikes, with efforts made to minimize civilian casualties. The international response underscores the imperative to protect global trade routes and maintain regional security amidst the ongoing conflict in Yemen.