The Pentagon has confirmed that the US has conducted what it calls “precision strikes” on five weapons storage sites in parts of Yemen controlled the Houthi group.
Lloyd Austin, the US Secretary of Defence, said that US forces, including long-range bombers and US forces, targeted underground facilities housing weapon components that were used to attack civilians and military ships in this region.
He said that the strikes against Iran-backed Houthis showed the US’s ability to target facilities which its adversaries wished “to keep out” of reach.
Since November last, the Houthis launched attacks on about 100 ships in the Red Sea sinking two vessels. The group claims that the attacks are in retaliation to Israel‘s military operation in Gaza.
US Central Command, the US military command that oversees US operations in the Middle East said on social media that there were no initial indications about civilian casualties.
The US Air Force and US Navy were involved in the operation. This included the use long-range stealth aircraft.
The Houthi attacks on the Red Sea forced major shipping companies, including international trade, to avoid the waterway.
Austin said that in a press release, “at the direction from President Biden I authorized these targeted strikes in order to further degrade Houthis’ ability to continue their destabilising behavior and to protect and defender US forces and personnel on one of the most critical waterways in the world.”
He said that the US will “continue to make clear” to the Houthis “consequences” for their “illegal and reckless attacks”.
The Pentagon reported that the Houthis launched “a complex assault” on US Navy vessels in the region in September, but all the weapons launched were destroyed.
The Houthis have also fired missiles and drones directly at Israel.
In July, a drone launched by Yemen hit Tel Aviv, killing a person and injuring 10 others. In September, this group launched several missiles against Israel, including a missile that targeted Israel’s airport.
Both times, Israel has responded by attacking sites within Yemen.
In early 2018, the US, UK, and 12 other nations launched Operation Prosperity Guardian in order to protect the Red Sea shipping routes against the Houthis.
The Houthis form part of an Iranian-backed network of armed groups that includes Hezbollah and Hamas, both of which are located in the Middle East.
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