UK, US conduct airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The British and U.S. militaries have launched airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, marking a significant move in Washington’s intensifying campaign against the Iran-supported faction. Early Wednesday, officials confirmed this as the first such attack described within their new operation aimed at handicapping the group.
The U.K. has provided a detailed account of the airstrike, a step beyond what the U.S. military has disclosed regarding their extensive campaign dubbed “Operation Rough Rider,” which has reportedly targeted over 1,000 sites since its commencement on March 15. This campaign coincides with ongoing negotiations between the Trump administration and Iran, focusing on Tehran’s burgeoning nuclear ambitions.
The recent British attack was directed at a target near Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. The U.K. Defense Ministry described the location as a cluster of buildings used by the Houthis for manufacturing drones, which have been utilized in assaults on ships traversing the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These structures were situated roughly 25 kilometers south of Sanaa. The operation involved Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s deploying Paveway IV guided bombs. To minimize civilian casualties, the strike was conducted after nightfall.
Despite the precision of the operation, details on the extent of the damage or potential casualties have not been made public by the British. Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command has not formally acknowledged the attack.
John Healey, the U.K. Defense Secretary, emphasized the urgency of addressing the Houthi threat to maritime navigation, citing a 55% reduction in shipping through the Red Sea, which has resulted in financial losses and heightened regional stability concerns. Activities of the Houthis, who have held Sanaa since 2014, continue to be a focal point for such military endeavors. Additional strikes have been reported around Saada.
The British military has been aligning with U.S. forces in airstrikes since January 2024, during Biden’s administration, signaling their continued involvement in these operations under President Donald Trump.
This latest joint strike closely follows an alleged U.S. airstrike earlier that week, which reportedly hit a prison and resulted in significant casualties among African migrants. The incident is under investigation by the U.S. military. Likewise, a recent U.S. strike on the Ras Isa fuel port led to numerous casualties and injuries, marking one of the most lethal attacks within the campaign.
The U.S. military’s operational base for these interventions includes two aircraft carriers, the USS Harry S. Truman and the USS Carl Vinson, stationed in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, respectively. These actions are primarily in response to the Houthi’s threat to international shipping routes and their ongoing conflicts with Israel.
The Houthis remain a notable force within Iran’s “Axis of Resistance,” maintaining the capacity to launch attacks against Israel, especially amidst the ongoing clashes stemming from the Israel-Hamas confrontation and Israel’s blockade of aid to Palestinians.
The U.S. approach has stirred debate domestically, particularly concerning Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s usage of the Signal platform to disclose sensitive operational details. In a provocative message on social media, Hegseth directly challenged Iran, highlighting American awareness of Iranian support for the Houthis and emphasizing potential consequences at a time and place of America’s choosing.