The Defense Department is confident that the recent strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen have effectively degraded the rebel group’s ability to carry out further attacks against commercial ships operating in the Red Sea. Joint forces from the US and the UK launched over 150 munitions from both maritime and air platforms against over 16 locations controlled by the Iranian-backed militants.
The deliberate strikes, carried out with nonoperational support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, were assessed to have hit multiple targets across each location, including command and control nodes, The Houthi’s use munitions depots, launching systems, production facilities, and air defense radar systems to carry out attacks on vessels operating in international waters.
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III ordered U.S. Central Command Commander General Michael E. Kurilla to carry out strikes to disrupt and degrade the Houthi’s capabilities, endanger mariners, and threaten global trade in a critical waterway, ensuring self-defense.
Defense officials in Austin, Texas, have conducted a call with the National Security Council and U.S. Central command to assess the situation following the Iran-backed Houthi rebels’ recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea. The attacks have impacted global commerce and led to the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an international maritime task force. The operation, which brought together forces from 22 nations, aimed to address the challenges in the region and ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The US-led Combined Maritime Forces and Task Force 153 has launched defensive strikes against the Houthi rebel stronghold in Yemen, following diplomatic efforts and international condemnation of the attacks. The governments of the US, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, and the UK have issued joint statements condemning the attacks and warning against further escalation.
The United Nations Security Council has demanded that the Houthis rebel group cease all attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Following a strike, the governments of the U.S., Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement condemning the Houthis’ actions and warning against further escalation. The nations’ statement emphasized their shared commitment to freedom of navigation, international commerce, and defending mariners from illegal attacks. The aim is to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea.
