The U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and Bahrain carried out airstrikes in Yemen on Friday, targeting Houthi drone and missile capabilities.
The U.S. Central Command said the strikes were “designed to degrade the Houthis’ ability to launch unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and missile attacks against U.S. and coalition forces, as well as civilian shipping.”
The strikes targeted radars, air defense systems, and storage and launch sites for the Houthi’s UAVs, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
The strikes were the first joint military action against the Houthis since the Biden administration took office in January 2021.
The U.S. said the strikes were necessary to protect maritime security and deter further Houthi attacks.The Houthis have denied responsibility for the attacks, but they have previously claimed to have targeted U.S. and coalition ships in the Red Sea.
The strikes were condemned by the Houthis, who said they would only lead to further escalation in the conflict.
The United Nations also called for restraint, saying the strikes could have a “negative impact” on the Yemeni peace process.
The strikes come as the war in Yemen enters its eighth year.The conflict has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions more.
The U.S. has been providing military support to the Saudi-led coalition that is fighting the Houthis. However, the Biden administration has been critical of the coalition’s airstrikes, which have killed civilians.
The administration has also been working to revive the Yemeni peace process, which has stalled. The strikes are likely to further complicate the peace process. The Houthis are likely to see the strikes as a provocation and may retaliate. This could lead to further escalation in the conflict, making it more difficult to achieve a peaceful resolution.
