US warships and planes strike Houthi targets in Yemen
The U.S. military has announced that it has conducted strikes against the Iranian-backed Houthi group in Yemen, targeting 15 locations.
According to the Pentagon, the strikes were executed using aircraft and naval vessels to “protect freedom of navigation.”
Multiple explosions were reported in major Yemeni cities, including the capital, Sanaa.
Since November, the Houthis have attacked approximately 100 ships in the Red Sea, resulting in the sinking of two vessels. The rebel group claims these attacks are in retaliation for Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Central Command, responsible for U.S. military activities in the Middle East, indicated that the strikes focused on the Houthis’ weapon systems, bases, and other equipment.
Media aligned with the Houthis reported that Sanaa was among the cities targeted.
On Monday, the Houthis announced they had downed a U.S.-made MQ-9 Reaper drone over Yemen, while the U.S. military confirmed the loss of an unmanned aircraft.
Last week, the Pentagon stated that the Houthis had carried out “a complex attack” on U.S. Navy ships in the region, but all missiles were intercepted.
Sanaa has experienced a lull in bombings over the past two years as hostilities between the warring factions in Yemen have largely diminished.
As well as the attacks on ships in the Red Sea, the Houthis have fired several missiles and drones at Israel directly.
In July a drone launched from Yemen struck Tel Aviv, killing one person and injuring 10. Last month, the group fired several missiles at Israel, including one that targeted Israel’s main airport.
Both times Israel responded by attacking sites in Yemen.
Earlier this year, the US, UK and 12 other nations launched Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect Red Sea shipping lanes against the Houthis.
The Houthis are part of a network of armed groups in the Middle East backed by Iran that includes Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.
