Global

US, UK Military Intensifies Strikes Against Houthi Rebels In Yemen

U.S. and British forces executed strikes against over a dozen Houthi targets in Yemen on Saturday, marking the latest move in the ongoing military efforts against the Iran-linked group responsible for persistent attacks on shipping in the region.

The United States has been conducting nearly daily strikes against the Houthi rebels, who hold sway over the most densely populated regions of Yemen. The group claims its attacks on shipping are a show of solidarity with Palestinians during Israel’s operations in Gaza. Despite these strikes, the Houthi assaults persist, disrupting global trade and elevating shipping rates.

A joint statement from nations involved in or supporting the strikes revealed that the military action targeted 18 Houthi locations across eight sites in Yemen. The strikes aimed at underground weapons and missile storage facilities, air defence systems, radars, and a helicopter.

U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin explained that the intent behind the strikes was “to further disrupt and degrade the capabilities of the Iranian-backed Houthi militia.” He emphasized the consequences the Houthis would face if they continued their illegal attacks, affecting Middle Eastern economies, causing environmental damage, and impeding the delivery of humanitarian aid to Yemen and other regions.

Countries supporting the strikes included Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.

Al Masirah TV, the primary news outlet aligned with the Houthi movement, reported that U.S. and UK forces carried out a series of strikes in the capital, Sanaa. According to an unnamed Houthi military source, these renewed attacks were perceived as “a miserable attempt to prevent Yemen from providing support operations to the Palestinian people in Gaza.”

In the preceding week, the Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack on a UK-owned cargo ship, a drone assault on a U.S. destroyer, and targeted Israel’s port and resort city of Eilat with ballistic missiles and drones.

The continuous Houthi strikes have disrupted the crucial Suez Canal, which facilitates about 12% of global maritime traffic, necessitating longer and costlier routes around Africa. While no ships have been sunk, concerns linger regarding the fate of the UK-registered Rubymar cargo vessel, struck on Feb. 18, carrying over 41,000 tons of fertilizer. The potential spill could lead to an environmental disaster in the Red Sea.

Responding to the situation, the European Union initiated a naval mission in the Red Sea to “restore and safeguard freedom of navigation.” Simultaneously, the United States is running Operation Prosperity Guardian, a coalition aimed at protecting commercial traffic from Houthi attacks.

Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi

Follow us on:

Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi

Recent Posts

Iran’s Supreme Leader Threatens ‘Crushing Response’ To US And Israeli Actions Amid Ongoing Tensions

Iran's Supreme Leader has warned the US and Israel of a "crushing response" following an…

2 hours ago

Kemi Badenoch Wins Conservative Leadership, Vows Party Renewal, A Return to Traditional Values

Kemi Badenoch has pledged to "renew" the Conservative Party and reclaim voters as she was…

7 hours ago

Peter Obi Criticises Court Ruling Halting Rivers State Funds, Calls for Reversal

Peter Obi has criticised the court ruling withholding funds to Rivers State, calling it disturbing…

13 hours ago

AGF Fagbemi Takes Over Prosecution of #EndBadGovernance Protesters Amidst Allegations of Treason

AGF Fagbemi has taken over the prosecution of 114 #EndBadGovernance protesters, addressing alleged treason and…

13 hours ago

NNPC, ONHYM Advance African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project Amid Regional Collaboration

NNPC and Morocco's ONHYM has advanced the $26 billion African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, emphasising regional…

13 hours ago

TCN Restores Power Supply Through Gombe-Damaturu-Maiduguri Line

TCN has restored power on the Gombe-Damaturu-Maiduguri line, fully operational again after vandalism halted service.

13 hours ago