US and UK launch massive military strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen

The US and the UK have jointly launched massive military strikes against Iran-backed militant group, Houthis in Yemen. The retaliatory action came after the rebel group conducted a string of attacks on commercial ships travelling through the Red Sea. The strikes were being carried out on more than 12 sites, including in the capital Sanaa, and the Houthi Red Sea port stronghold Hudaydah. 

US President Joe Biden confirmed the attacks in a statement. He said the attacks have been launched at his direction to protect freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most vital waterways. He said the strikes were carried out by US forces, together with United Kingdom and with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada,



and the Netherlands. 

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said, the strikes are necessary action in self-defence as the attacks by Houthis were disrupting trade, driving up commodity prices and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. He said, the UK’s navy would continue to patrol the Red Sea as part of a multinational operation.

Houthi official has confirmed raids across the country. The group has called the strikes American-Zionist-British aggression. The Houthis, who seized much of Yemen in a civil war, have vowed to attack ships linked to Israel or bound for Israeli ports. However, many of the targeted ships have had no links to Israel.