Late on Saturday, 9 November, American military aircraft carried out a series of airstrikes on weapon storage facilities in Yemen belonging to Houthi forces, who are backed by Iran. This information was confirmed by the Pentagon, which issued a statement to AFP.
The United States Department of Defence revealed that the Houthi depots contained various weapons designed for attacks on both military and civilian vessels navigating the international waters of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. These locations reportedly served as hubs for armaments intended to disrupt maritime security, posing threats to vessels in this strategically vital region.
Further reports from Al-Masirah, a television network under Houthi control, claimed that three strikes were launched by both British and American forces, targeting the southern district of Sana’a, Yemen’s capital, specifically the Al-Sab’in area. The television network did not confirm the extent of the damage but noted that the airstrikes were concentrated in a zone often used by Houthi forces for military operations.
This recent strike adds to a series of actions conducted by the US and the UK in response to increased Houthi aggression against commercial vessels. Houthi forces have consistently targeted ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden over the past year, claiming these attacks are directed at vessels with Israeli ties as a demonstration of solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Over the past year, Houthi assaults on commercial shipping have resulted in the deaths of four sailors and the sinking of two ships, while another vessel, along with its crew, remains detained following an attack and seizure in November 2023. The Houthi forces assert that these actions align with their stance against Israel and its regional allies, underscoring their ideological commitment to the broader conflict involving Gaza.
In October, US officials reaffirmed their intent to maintain a military presence in the Red Sea area. This commitment is part of a larger coalition effort, working alongside allies to ensure the security of civilian vessels in this area, which has faced heightened threats from Houthi forces over recent months.
The United States and its coalition partners remain determined to support the freedom of navigation and protect commercial interests from hostile actions along this critical maritime corridor.
