American and British military forces launched coordinated strikes on more than a dozen Houthi-controlled sites in Yemen on Friday, according to reports from US officials. The attacks targeted key weapons systems, military bases, and other infrastructure utilised by the Iranian-backed Houthi militants.
This development, confirmed by officials speaking to the Associated Press, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in Yemen, where Houthi forces have been engaged in a protracted civil war since 2014. The strikes were carried out by military aircraft and naval ships, hitting Houthi strongholds across five key areas.
Houthi-controlled media reported that seven strikes were carried out on the Hodeidah Airport and the Katayeb area, which houses a military base under the control of the Houthis. Additionally, four strikes hit positions in the Sayyan district of the capital, Sana’a, while two more targeted sites in Yemen’s Dhamar province.
The Houthi forces have been in control of significant portions of Yemen, including the capital, Sana’a, since the onset of the civil war. Their dominance over crucial regions has enabled them to maintain a firm grip on the country’s northern areas, challenging the internationally recognised Yemeni government.
Strategic Concerns and Broader Implications
This military action comes against the backdrop of heightened concerns in Washington and London over growing Iranian influence in the region. US officials have previously expressed worry that Russia could supply missiles to the Houthi rebels, further complicating the conflict. The Houthis are known to receive substantial support from Iran, including arms and technical assistance, in their ongoing fight against the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.
The Pentagon has also signalled increased spending on military operations in the region. Reports indicate that the US Department of Defense will allocate approximately $1.2 billion to support operations in the Red Sea. This budget will be used to maintain ships deployed in the area and replenish missile stocks, which have been partly diverted to assist Israel in countering Iranian aggression.
The presence of US and UK naval forces in the Red Sea forms part of broader efforts to secure maritime routes and prevent further escalation in the volatile region. Yemen’s location near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a crucial chokepoint for global oil shipments, makes it a strategic concern for Western powers.
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