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In a joint operation, the United States and the United Kingdom conducted targeted strikes on eight Houthi military sites in Yemen on Monday, aiming to thwart the Iran-backed rebel group's repeated attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
The Pentagon confirmed the deployment of approximately 30 Tomahawk land-attack missiles, precision-guided munitions, and drone strikes, striking Houthi weapons-storage facilities and missile installations. Simultaneously, British fighter jets delivered precision-guided bombs on two locations near a Sanaa airfield, marking the UK's second involvement in anti-Houthi operations.
According to a senior US military official, the strikes were meticulously planned to eliminate significant Houthi capabilities while minimizing the risk of civilian casualties. The official emphasized the specificity of the targeting, asserting that the objective was to neutralize Houthi assets without escalating the conflict.
"We definitely feel that the strikes we have taken tonight… have removed significant Houthi capability," stated the US official. They further explained that the selection of targets was guided by a strategic effort to avoid escalation and maintain a focused approach.
Crucially, the official underscored that there were no immediate plans to expand the target set beyond the current strike locations. This measured response aligns with the stated goal of curbing Houthi aggression without unnecessarily widening the scope of military engagement.
As the international community closely monitors developments in Yemen, these coordinated actions by the US and UK underscore their commitment to safeguarding regional security and stability in the face of ongoing challenges posed by the Houthi insurgency.
