The United States has destroyed more than 25 Houthi missile sites and more than 20 missiles in Yemen since it began airstrikes in the country this month, the Pentagon said on Tuesday, according to Reuters.
The strikes are part of a broader effort to counter Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Since November 19, the Houthis have launched dozens of attacks on ships in the Red Sea, including using drones and missiles.
In response to the attacks, the United States announced on December 18 the formation of a multinational maritime coalition called “Guardian of the Prosperity” to protect shipping in the Red Sea.
The coalition carried out several airstrikes on Houthi military sites in Sanaa, Hodeida, Taiz, Hajjah, and Saada on January 12 and 13, and has since carried out additional strikes, including on Monday.
The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have disrupted global shipping and raised concerns about global inflation. The attacks have also raised concerns that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which began on October 7, could destabilize the Middle East.
The strikes by the U.S. and its allies are intended to deter the Houthis from continuing their attacks on shipping and to pressure them to negotiate a political settlement to the conflict in Yemen.
The strikes have been met with criticism from some who say they could escalate the conflict and lead to civilian casualties.
