WASHINGTON: An international coalition, including American and British forces, carried out a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen.
The strikes, coordinated across eight locations, aimed at underground weapons and missile storage facilities, air defence systems, and other military assets associated with the Iran-backed rebels.
The joint statement, co-signed by several nations including Australia, Bahrain, Denmark, Canada, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, highlighted the ongoing threat posed by the Houthi rebels to global commerce and regional stability. The statement emphasized the need for an international response in light of the more than 45 attacks on commercial and naval vessels attributed to the Houthis since mid-November.
The latest operation follows a string of attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea, including the recent targeting of the Rubymar, which necessitated the evacuation of its crew after sustaining damage. These incidents have raised concerns about the safety of maritime navigation in the region and underscored the urgency of addressing the Houthi threat.
In response to the strikes, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to defending lives and ensuring the free flow of commerce in critical waterways. He emphasized the consequences that the Houthis would face if they persisted with their attacks, which not only pose risks to Middle Eastern economies but also disrupt humanitarian aid delivery to Yemen and other nations.
The Houthi claim that their attacks on shipping vessels are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, amid ongoing conflict in the region. However, the targeting of international vessels has drawn condemnation and raised tensions further in the already volatile Middle East.
As the situation continues to evolve, efforts to address the root causes of the conflict in Yemen and promote dialogue among all stakeholders remain essential to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
