The Pentagon has announced that the United States has conducted what it described as “precision strikes” on five weapons storage sites in areas of Yemen under the control of the Houthi group.
US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, confirmed that US forces, including long-range bombers, targeted underground facilities storing weapon components used in attacks on civilian and military ships in the region. He stated that these strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis highlighted America’s capability to reach sites that its adversaries believed were “out of reach.”
Austin stated that “at the direction of President Biden, I authorised these targeted strikes to further degrade the Houthis’ capability to continue their destabilising behaviour and to protect and defend US forces and personnel in one of the world’s most critical waterways.”
Since November last year, the Houthis have launched attacks on around 100 ships in the Red Sea, sinking two. The group claims these attacks are in retaliation for Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
US Central Command, responsible for overseeing US military operations in the Middle East, stated on social media that there were no immediate indications of civilian casualties from the mission.
They confirmed that the US Air Force and Navy were involved in the operation, including the deployment of long-range stealth bombers.
Austin further stated that the US would persist in making it clear to the Houthis that their unlawful and reckless attacks would carry consequences.
The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have led major shipping companies to steer clear of the waterway, affecting international trade.
In September, the Pentagon reported that the Houthis had carried out a complex assault on US Navy vessels in the region, though all the weapons launched were successfully intercepted. In addition to the attacks on ships in the Red Sea, the Houthis have also launched several missiles and drones directly at Israel.
In July, a drone launched from Yemen struck Tel Aviv, resulting in one fatality and ten injuries. In September, the group fired multiple missiles at Israel, including one aimed at the country’s main airport.
On both occasions, Israel retaliated by striking targets in Yemen.
Frances Ibiefo
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