Joint UK‑US airstrike targets Houthi drone sites in Yemen

• What happened? Forces from the United Kingdom and the USA carried out a joint military operation in Yemen, attacking Houthi drone production facilities.
• Where and when did the operation take place? The airstrike occurred near the capital of Yemen, Sana'a, after dark to minimize risks to civilians. This would likely have been during the evening Eastern Time, given the time difference.
• Why was the airstrike conducted? The goal was to mitigate threats to Red Sea shipping arising from Houthi activities.

The British Ministry of Defence stated that Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 aircraft participated in the airstrike, dropping precision-guided Paveway IV bombs. It was emphasized that the attack took place after dark to minimize the risk of civilian presence.

So far, there is no information on material losses or casualties. The United States Central Command has not officially commented on the operation.

British Defence Minister John Healey, quoted by "The Guardian," explained that the attack was a response to the ongoing threat to free shipping posed by Houthi rebels. He noted that a significant reduction in maritime traffic through the Red Sea has caused substantial financial losses, destabilizes the region, and could threaten the economic security of British families.

U.S. President Donald Trump, back in March, ordered an intensification of military operations against the Houthis. The administration announced that actions would continue until the rebels ceased attacks on vessels. The American military recently reported that since mid-March they have struck over 800 targets, eliminating many fighters and leaders of the movement and destroying their infrastructure.

The Houthis have been carrying out military actions since November 2023, claiming their aim is to express opposition to Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza and support the Palestinian people. They assert that they are attacking ships providing supplies to Israel.