The United States and the United Kingdom carried out strikes against more than 30 Houthi targets in Yemen from air and surface platforms. The attacks were carried out with the support of several other countries, including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, and New Zealand. The targeted sites included the Houthis’ weapons storage facilities, missile systems and launchers, air defense systems, and radars.
The attacks come in response to ongoing Houthi aggression in the Red Sea and a drone attack that killed three U.S. service members and injured more than 40. The United States has not directly targeted Iran, but has instead attacked some of its powerful proxies in the region to send a message to Iran’s leaders.
The attacks in Yemen are distinct from those in Iraq and Syria, as the former is in response to Houthi attacks on international shipping routes and US warships, while the latter is retaliation for a deadly attack against American troops. Both target Iranian-backed groups in the Middle East.
The Houthis reported that U.S. and British warplanes struck multiple provinces in Yemen, including the capital Sanaa. Two US destroyers fired Tomahawk missiles as part of the attacks, with involvement from F/A-18 fighter jets from the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The joint statement from the United States, United Kingdom, and supporting countries indicates a coordinated effort to target Houthi aggression in Yemen. This response serves as a warning to the Iranian-backed groups in the region.
CNN’s Eyad Kourdi contributed to this report.