US and UK forces carry out fresh airstrikes in Yemen amidst ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces destroyed eight unmanned aerial vehicles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and over the Red Sea.
On Thursday, U.S. and British forces conducted multiple strikes in Yemen, targeting suspected Houthi terrorist positions.
The joint U.S.-U.K. strikes were carried out between 3:15 p.m. and 5 p.m. local time on Thursday, May 30, destroying eight unmanned aerial vehicles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and the Red Sea. CENTCOM also stated that American and British military components launched strikes on 13 suspected targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen on Thursday.
The strikes were in response to a series of Houthi attacks targeting shipments in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, are a Shiite Muslim faction in Yemen designated as a terrorist organization by the United States. They have been in conflict with the Republic of Yemen since 2014.
Although the primary conflict between the Houthis and the Republic of Yemen has lessened, the Houthis have shifted their focus north against Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip, launching missile and drone attacks on ships they suspect are related to Israel or its allies.
Israeli forces began their Gaza Strip campaign in response to attacks by Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. The Houthis have condemned Israeli actions and vowed to disrupt international shipping until the conflict in the Gaza Strip ends.
Houthis Confirm Casualties, Claim Return Fire
Houthi representatives acknowledged U.S. and British strikes inside Yemen, claiming civilian targets, including homes, were hit.
Houthi forces responded to the strikes by launching missiles at the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69). CENTCOM was contacted for comment on the Houthi claims but did not respond by publication time.
Red Sea Standoff Continues
Houthi claims responsibility for recent attacks along the Red Sea shipping route, including missile strikes on commercial and U.S. warships. CENTCOM reported U.S. strikes targeting suspected Houthi drones and launchers on May 28 and May 29.
Thursday’s U.S.-U.K. strikes followed Houthi claims of shooting down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone. The U.S. government has fluctuated on designating the Houthis as a terrorist group.
President Biden’s administration revoked the Trump-era terror designations, signaling a potential change in policy towards the Houthis.
Mr. Lenderking expressed hope for finding diplomatic solutions to de-escalate the situation in Yemen.
Mr. Sare’e emphasized that Houthi attacks will continue until the conflict in the Gaza Strip ends.
From NTD News
