WASHINGTON. The U.S. and British militaries launched a substantial retaliatory strike against Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen. The operation involved airstrikes on more than a dozen Houthi sites using Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets from warships, submarines, and aircraft. The strikes targeted various locations, including command-and-control nodes, munitions depots, launching systems, production facilities, and air defense radar systems.
President Joe Biden stated that the strikes aimed to demonstrate that the U.S. and its allies would not tolerate the continuous Houthi attacks on the Red Sea. The decision followed diplomatic efforts and careful consideration, with Biden emphasizing the need to protect U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, and international commerce from Houthi threats.
Associated Press journalists in Yemen reported hearing explosions in Sanaa, Hodieda, Taiz, and Dhamar. This military response marked the first from the U.S. since the start of the Israel-Hamas war and came after a final warning to the Houthis to halt attacks on commercial ships.
The Houthi attacks temporarily ceased after the warning, but on Tuesday, they fired a significant barrage of drones and missiles, prompting the U.S. and British response. The coordinated strikes involved the Royal Air Force and other allies, including the Netherlands, Canada, and Bahrain.
The international community, including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, the U.S., and the U.K., issued a joint statement aiming to de-escalate tensions in the Red Sea. However, they emphasized a commitment to defending lives and protecting commerce in the crucial waterway. Russia requested an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting on the strikes.
The Houthis, who claim their attacks aim to counter Israel’s actions in Gaza, warned of retaliation. The strikes reportedly hit multiple locations, and the Houthis later reported casualties.
While the U.S. expects the strikes to degrade Houthi capabilities, officials anticipate possible Houthi responses. The decision to strike involved military options presented to President Biden after the Tuesday attacks, leading to the directive to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
The U.S. had refrained from immediate retaliation in recent months, considering the fragile truce in Yemen and regional stability concerns. However, escalating attacks on international shipping prompted the coalition warning and the creation of Operation Prosperity Guardian to enhance security in the Red Sea and surrounding areas. The Red Sea, including the Suez Canal and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, is a vital shipping lane, handling about 12% of global trade.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
