Joint UK‑US airstrike hits Houthi drone sites in Yemen
British and American forces have conducted a joint airstrike in Yemen, specifically targeting Houthi drone production facilities. The operation aimed to mitigate threats to shipping in the Red Sea.
What do you need to know?
- 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 minimise risks to civilians.
- 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 emphasised that the attack took place after dark to minimise 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 reduction of more than half in maritime traffic through the Red Sea has caused significant financial losses, destabilises the region, and could threaten the economic security of British families.
U.S. President Donald Trump had already 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 attacked 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.
