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US forces have announced the launch of precision strikes on five weapons storage site in areas of Yemen under the control of the Houthi group.
US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, confirmed that US forces, including long-range bombers, targeted underground facilities storing weapon components used in attacks on civilians and military ships in the region.
Austin added that the strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis highlighted America’s capability to reach sites that its adversaries believed were “out of reach.”
He said, “At the directive of President Joe Biden, I authorised these targeted strikes to further degrade the Houthis’ capability to continue their destabilising behaviour and to protect and defend US forces and personnel in one of the world’s most critical waterways.”
Recall that since November last year, the Houthis have launched attacks on around 100 ships in the Red Sea, sinking two.
The group claimed those attacks were in retaliation for Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
US Central Command, responsible for overseeing US military operations in the Middle East, said on social media platform that there were no immediate indications of civilian casualties from the mission.
They confirmed that the US Air Force and Navy were involved in the operation, including the deployment of long-range stealth bombers.
Austin further stated that the US would persist in making it clear to the Houthis that their unlawful and reckless attacks would carry consequences.
The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have led major shipping companies to steer clear of the waterway, affecting international trade.
In September, the forces reported that the Houthis had carried out a complex assault on US Navy vessels in the region, though all the weapons launched were successfully intercepted.
In addition to the attacks on ships in the Red Sea, the Houthis have also launched several missiles and drones directly on Israel.
