US, UK strike eight Houthi targets in Yemen

According to a statement issued by the USA and the UK, the strikes were carried out on eight targets.

The strikes were supported by Canada, the Netherlands, Bahrain, and Australia.

The US Central Command posted on X: "These strikes from this multilateral coalition targeted areas in Houthi-controlled Yemen used to attack international merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region."

"The targets included missile systems and launchers, air defense systems, radars, and deeply buried weapons storage facilities," the post said.

Why the strikes were carried out?

US Central Command said the strikes were intended to degrade Houthi capability to continue their reckless and unlawful attacks on U.S. and U.K. ships as well as international commercial shipping in the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.

It said the strikes are separate and distinct from the multinational freedom of navigation actions performed under Operation Prosperity Guardian.

First joint operation

During the first joint operation conducted by the USA and the UK on January 11, over 30 Houthi targets were hit.

Joe Biden-Rishi Sunak discuss Red Sea-Houthi

The White House on Monday (January 23, 2024) confirmed US President Joe Biden and UK PM Rishi Sunak discussed the ongoing Iranian-backed Houthi attacks against merchant and naval vessels transiting the Red Sea.

"They reiterated their commitment to freedom of navigation, international commerce, and defending mariners from illegal and unjustifiable attacks," the statement said.

Houthi leader reacts

Houthi leader Mohamed Ali al-Houthi  said the strikes will only strengthen people in Yemen.

He posted on X: "Your strikes will not make the Yemeni people stronger and more determined to confront you, as you are the aggressors against our country."