US and UK initiated military strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen

US and UK have collaborated to conduct joint strikes on 36 Houthi targets spread across 13 different locations in Yemen. This action closely follows the US launching strikes on 85 targets in Syria and Iraq last Friday.

The U.S. and U.K. launched airstrikes on Saturday to further weaken the Houthis' ability to carry out illegal and dangerous attacks on U.S. and international vessels, a senior U.S. official said. 

On Sunday morning, the U.S. conducted a strike in self-defense against a Houthi anti-ship cruise missile that was about to be launched in the Red Sea, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command forces. The missile was identified early in the morning and was considered a immediate threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the area, CENTCOM stated. 

It is important to note that these strikes are separate from the ones carried out in Iraq and Syria in response to the attack on US troops in Jordan. Previous reports had suggested that the strikes in Yemen were a direct response to the attack on US troops in Jordan.

The official highlights that the US has successfully gathered a global coalition to condemn the Houthis and ensure they are held accountable. This marks the third series of strikes conducted by the coalition, which includes countries such as the US, UK, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, the Netherlands, and now Denmark and New Zealand as well.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has issued a statement saying that the strikes carried out in Yemen were intended to disrupt and weaken the Iranian-supported Houthi militia's ability to persistently assault ships in the Red Sea.

As per Austin's statement, the strikes specifically targeted concealed weapons storage facilities, missile systems, launchers, air defense systems, and radars belonging to the Houthis.

Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands have been acknowledged by the United States as supporters of the operation. The intention is to portray the strikes as part of a collective international endeavor to restore the open flow of trade in a crucial route connecting Europe and Asia. This route accounts for approximately 15% of the world's shipping traffic. Despite numerous calls from the United Nations and other international entities, the Houthis, who currently hold control over most of Yemen, have persisted with their missile and drone attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea.

The United States has warned them of the consequences if they continue with these actions. The Houthi attacks have caused significant disruptions to global commerce, compelling international shipping to take longer routes around South Africa in order to avoid being targeted. This increase in delivery costs has raised concerns about the potential for a fresh wave of global inflation.