US-UK launch joint military attacks on Houthis, what has happened so far?

Sanaa, 5 February, 2024 (TDF): The United States and Britain conducted a joint military operation in Yemen, a day after launching strikes in Iraq and Syria. According to the US, they have targeted Iran backed factions in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.

The strikes aimed to disable Iran-backed groups that have attacked US and its allies’ international interests in Red Sea by disrupting the trade to Israel. These actions by the US are retaliatory measures against Iran-backed groups in response to a drone strike that killed three US troops in Jordan last week.

US-UK strikes in Yemen

According to the US and UK they have targeted 36 Houthi sites in Yemen. Whereas, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the capital, Sanaa, was also among the cities attacked in airstrikes. He also stated that there were total 48 attacks on multiple cities, including 13 attacks on Sanna and the adjoining areas.  So far there have been no reports of causalities in Yemen.

In addition, in a separate attack, the US Central Command (CENTCOM), released a statement claiming to have hit a Houthi anti-ship cruise missile in Red Sea.

USCENTCOM Destroys an Anti-Ship Cruise Missile in Yemen

On Feb. 4, at approximately 4 a.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command forces conducted a strike in self-defense against a Houthi anti-ship cruise missile prepared to launch against ships in the Red Sea. U.S. forces… pic.twitter.com/zf29DbuioL

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 4, 2024

Operation details in Yemen

The operation involved ships, fighter jets, and destroyers launching strikes against Houthi targets in 13 different locations. The US Defence Secretary, Lloyd Austin, emphasized that the military action sends a clear message to the Houthis to end their illegal attacks on international shipping and naval vessels.

The CENTCOM said that it launched “proportionate” attack with support from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Bahrain, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

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“These strikes are intended to degrade Houthi capabilities used to continue their reckless and unlawful attacks on US and UK ships as well as international commercial shipping in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden,” it said.

Houthi response and regional implications

The Houthis, however, have shown no signs of scaling back their operation in Red Sea despite previous strikes. Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a Houthi official, reiterated their commitment to continue military operations against Israel until certain conditions are met, including the ceasefire on Gaza and allowing the humanitarian aid for millions of besieged people.

The statement from Houthis read, “These attacks will not go unanswered and will be punished” reiterating their support for the “steadfast Palestinian people”.

US intends further strikes in Middle East

The Biden administration has indicated that further strikes are possible. Talking in NBC’s program, the White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told, “We intend to take additional strikes, and additional action, to continue to send a clear message that the United States will respond when our forces are attacked, when our people are killed.”

Impact on regional shipping routes

The strikes in Yemen have significant implications for shipping routes in the region, leading to rerouted vessels and increased security measures. The broader message aims to underscore US resolve in holding Iran accountable for its support of militant groups in the Middle East.

Iraqi response and coalition discussions

Iraqi officials have expressed concerns about the US retaliatory strikes, calling for the withdrawal of US troops and seeking to de-escalate regional tensions. Discussions are ongoing regarding the presence of international coalition forces in Iraq. According to Iraq, the US military launched air assault on at least 85 locations.