U.S., U.K., Strike 8 Yemeni Targets Overnight; 30 Houthi Attacks Against Commercial Shipping so far

In a joint effort, the U.S. and the U.K., supported by Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, conducted precision strikes against eight Houthi targets in Yemen in response to the Houthi rebels' escalation with over 30 attacks on international and commercial shipping since mid-November.

The move came in response to the Houthi rebels' alarming escalation against international and commercial shipping, as well as naval vessels in the Red Sea. The multinational coalition issued a joint statement, highlighting the necessity of the strikes in the face of the Houthis' continued illegal and destabilizing actions.

The targeted strikes, directed by the respective governments of the U.S. and U.K., were conducted with precision and proportionality to disrupt and degrade Houthi capabilities threatening global trade and mariners' safety. The decision to strike was prompted by a series of Houthi attacks since the coalition's initial strikes on January 11, including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial systems against U.S.-owned merchant vessels.

Today's strike specifically focused on a Houthi underground storage site and locations associated with their missile and air surveillance capabilities. The international coalition emphasized defending lives and ensuring the free flow of commerce in the Red Sea.

The Houthi rebels have launched more than thirty attacks on international and commercial vessels since mid-November, posing a significant challenge to the international community. The coalition, consisting of like-minded countries committed to upholding the rules-based order, stressed the need to hold the Houthis accountable for their illegal assaults on mariners and commercial shipping.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement that the multinational coalition's forces conducted strikes at approximately 11:59 p.m. (Sanaa / Yemen time) on January 22. The targets included missile systems and launchers, air defense systems, radars, and deeply buried weapons storage facilities in Houthi-controlled Yemen. The strikes were designed to degrade Houthi capabilities, preventing further attacks on U.S. and U.K. ships and international commercial shipping in key maritime routes.

These actions were separate from the multinational freedom of navigation actions performed under Operation Prosperity Guardian.