The United States military has reported that it has targeted 15 sites associated with the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group in Yemen. According to the Department of Defense, these strikes were conducted using aircraft and naval vessels with the objective of “protecting freedom of navigation at sea.” Reports indicate that attacks have occurred in several key cities in Yemen, including the capital, Sana’a. Since November, the Houthi group has launched attacks on approximately 100 vessels in the Red Sea, resulting in the sinking of two ships. The Houthi group has stated that these attacks were a response to military actions taking place in Gaza.
The United States Central Command, which monitors military operations in the Middle East, has reported that the recent attacks targeted the Houthis’ weaponry, installations, and other equipment. According to a media outlet supportive of the Houthis, one of the cities affected by these strikes is the capital, Sana’a. The Houthi group claimed responsibility for downing an MQ-9 Reaper drone, a product of the United States, last Monday in Yemen, a claim that was subsequently confirmed by the U.S. military. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Defense stated last week that the Houthi group launched a “significant attack” on American naval vessels in the region, asserting that all deployed weapons were successfully intercepted. The conflict between the two factions engaged in the fighting in Yemen remains intense.
Amidst the assaults on ships in the Red Sea, the Houthis have directly launched multiple missiles and drones at Israel. In July, an unmanned aerial vehicle dispatched from Yemen struck Tel Aviv, resulting in one fatality and injuries to ten others. Last month, the Houthis targeted Israel with several missiles, one of which aimed at a key Israeli airport. In response to these two attacks, Israel retaliated by striking Houthi positions in Yemen. Earlier this year, the United States, Britain, and twelve other nations initiated a coalition named “Operation Prosperity Guardian” to safeguard maritime routes against the Houthis. This coalition is part of a broader strategy to counter the network of Iran-backed armed groups in the Middle East.