The United States and Britain have carried out airstrikes on 18 Houthi targets in Yemen, the two countries said in statements on Saturday, as the terrorist group intensifies attacks on commercial and naval vessels.
Saturday's attack was the fourth major attack involving the United States and Britain and non-operational support from at least six other countries against Houthi assets in Yemen, which the rebels are using to carry out terrorist attacks on Red Sea shipping. This is a complex attack. According to a joint statement, they targeted 18 targets in eight different locations in Yemen, including underground weapons and missile storage facilities, drones, air defense systems, radars and one helicopter.
“These precision strikes are aimed at disrupting and reducing the capabilities the Houthis are using to threaten global trade, warships, and the lives of innocent sailors in one of the world's most important waterways. ” the statement said. (Related: Is the US running out of Tomahawk missiles?)
“These attacks are in response to the Houthis' continued attacks on commercial and naval vessels, which endanger the lives of international seafarers as well as Yemeni citizens.”
The statement said that on February 22, the Houthis attacked the British-owned M/V Islander with a missile, injuring one crew member. On February 19, a missile almost hit the US-owned M/V Sea Champion, which was on its way to deliver humanitarian aid to Yemen.
A US-owned ship was also attacked on February 19th.
On February 18, a Houthi missile attack caused significant damage to the British-owned M/V Rubimaa, forcing the crew to evacuate the ship, the statement said. The Rubimar continues to take in water and leak her fuel into the Red Sea, posing a danger to the environment. according to to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
The Pentagon acknowledged that Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea appear to have increased in frequency and severity since the group was designated as a terrorist organization.
“We have certainly seen an increase in Houthi attacks over the past 48, 72 hours, and they are becoming more consistent,” said Sabrina Singh, a Pentagon deputy spokeswoman. Said He spoke at a press conference on February 22nd.
Between 9:30pm and 10:40pm on February 18th, Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists attacked the Belize-flagged, British-owned bulk carrier M/V Rubimar. The ship is at anchor, but water is slowly coming in. The unprovoked and reckless attack by Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists has led to grave consequences… pic.twitter.com/bU6j850wwG
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 24, 2024
The statement said the Houthis have attacked commercial and naval vessels with drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles more than 45 times since mid-November, threatening the global economy and security.
The United States has carried out dozens of kinetic strikes against Houthi missiles and ready-to-launch drones, and has carried out multiple large-scale attacks against Houthi strongholds. The attacks haven't stopped.
“While our goal remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability to the Red Sea, we once again warn the Houthi leadership that we will continue to protect lives and freedom in the face of continued threats. We will not hesitate to continue to protect our trade,” the statement said.
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