Asia Press Agency

Tag: Huthis

  • US and UK Launch Joint Strikes Against Houthis in Yemen

    US and UK Launch Joint Strikes Against Houthis in Yemen

    In response to the repeated Red Sea attacks by Iran-backed Houthis, the United States and Britain conducted air strikes, hitting 36 Houthi targets across 13 locations in Yemen. The strikes come after a drone attack in Jordan killed three U.S. soldiers, prompting retaliatory action against Iran-linked targets in Iraq and Syria. This marks the third joint effort by British and American forces targeting the Houthis, with the objective of disrupting their capabilities and preventing further attacks on international and commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

     

    The air strikes, which aimed to disrupt and degrade the Houthi militia’s capabilities, targeted deeply buried weapons storage facilities, missile systems and launchers, air defense systems, and radars. U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized that the action was in response to the Houthis’ reckless and destabilizing attacks, asserting that the strikes were intended to deter future aggression.

     

    The Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Saree, confirmed that the capital Sanaa and other rebel-held areas were targeted with a total of 48 air strikes. Despite the attacks, Saree asserted the Houthis’ unwavering support for the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that the strikes would not deter them from their stance. He warned that the latest strikes would prompt a response and punishment.

     

    Britain’s defence ministry reported that Royal Air Force Typhoon warplanes participated in the strikes, hitting targets that included two ground control stations used to operate attack and reconnaissance drones. The coordinated efforts by the U.S. and the UK underscore their commitment to curbing Houthi aggression and maintaining security in the region.

     

    The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) revealed that its forces carried out a strike against a Houthi anti-ship missile that was preparing to launch against ships in the Red Sea. This action aimed to prevent potential threats to maritime traffic in the strategic waterway.

     

    The Houthis’ attacks have not only drawn the attention of the U.S. and the UK but have also led to disruptions in global trade. The Houthis, expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, have escalated tensions in the Red Sea, prompting international responses to safeguard shipping lanes and maintain regional stability.

     

    The ongoing conflict in Yemen, with Houthi rebels backed by Iran, has created a complex geopolitical scenario. The recent air strikes signal the international community’s resolve to address the threat posed by the Houthis and protect vital maritime routes. As tensions persist, the situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalations and responses in the region. The global community will closely monitor developments in Yemen to assess the impact on regional stability and security.

  • US Airstrikes in Iraq and Joint Military Strikes on Yemen’s Huthis

    US Airstrikes in Iraq and Joint Military Strikes on Yemen’s Huthis

    In a significant development, US forces conducted airstrikes against an Iran-backed militia in Iraq. The targets included the headquarters of Kataib Hezbollah, a training facility, and storage space for missiles and drones, as reported by Bloomberg. These precision strikes were a direct response to a series of escalatory attacks against US and Coalition personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-sponsored militias, according to an official statement from the US Central Command. The operation took place concurrently with the United States and the United Kingdom launching a second round of joint military strikes on Yemen’s Huthis. These strikes come in the wake of the Huthis’ continued attacks on Red Sea shipping, raising concerns about the broader implications of the growing crisis in the Middle East.

     

    In Iraq, the US airstrikes targeted facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah, but the US Central Command noted that these locations were also utilized by other militant outfits. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the necessity of these strikes to disrupt and degrade the capabilities of the Huthis and other groups, asserting that the precision strikes were a measured response to escalating threats against US and Coalition personnel.

     

    Simultaneously, the joint US-UK military strikes on Yemen’s Huthis aimed to address the rebels’ persistent attacks on international and commercial shipping, along with naval vessels transiting the Red Sea. The Huthis, who began targeting Red Sea shipping in November, claimed their actions were in support of Palestinians in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war. This move further complicates an already tense situation in the Middle East, with fears of a broader conflict involving Iran.

     

    The recent airstrikes against the Huthis in Yemen were a continuation of earlier military actions by the US and the UK. The joint statement from the two countries, along with support from others, indicated that the precision strikes sought to disrupt and degrade the capabilities the Huthis use to threaten global trade and the lives of mariners.

     

    The targets of these strikes included missile systems and launchers, air defense systems, radars, and deeply buried weapons storage facilities. The Huthis, designated as a terrorist organization by certain countries, have declared US and British interests as legitimate targets. This ongoing cycle of military actions and counter-actions raises concerns about the potential for a wider regional conflict.

     

    The situation is intertwined with the Israel-Hamas war, which has sparked a series of events leading to increased hostilities in the Middle East. The Huthis’ attacks on Red Sea shipping are seen as part of this broader context, posing challenges for international efforts to maintain stability in the region.

     

    As the tensions escalate, there are fears of more widespread economic consequences. The disruptions to shipping through the Red Sea are already affecting global trade, with potential impacts on consumer prices and economic growth. The European Union, facing the risk of surging consumer prices and slowing growth due to these disruptions, is closely monitoring the situation.

     

    In response to the Huthis’ attacks, Britain plans to announce new sanctions targeting Houthi financing of shipping attacks in the Red Sea. The international community is grappling with how to address the complex web of conflicts and interests in the region, with an eye on preventing further destabilization.

     

    The coming days will likely see heightened diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions and find a sustainable path towards peace. The interconnected nature of the conflicts in Iraq, Yemen, and the broader Middle East underscores the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to address the root causes of the crisis and prevent further escalation.