In a coordinated military operation in Yemen, US and British forces targeted a Houthi military installation responsible for producing drones used in attacks on shipping routes, as confirmed by Britain’s Ministry of Defence. This operation underscores the international commitment to combating threats in the region.
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Last month, President Donald Trump directed an escalation of US airstrikes in Yemen, emphasizing the administration’s resolve to confront Iran-backed Houthi rebels until they cease their aggression against vessels in the Red Sea. “We will not stand idle while our interests are threatened,” stated a senior official.
Historically, the US and the UK have conducted multiple joint operations in Yemen, reflecting a longstanding partnership in addressing regional security challenges.
According to the British statement, intelligence assessments pinpointed a cluster of structures approximately 24 kilometers south of Sanaa. These were reportedly utilized by the Houthis to assemble drones similar to those implicated in assaults on maritime traffic. While the operation’s specifics regarding casualties were not disclosed, it raises pertinent questions about the collateral impact on civilians.
On a somber note, Houthi-managed media reported that a US airstrike resulted in 68 fatalities at a detention center for African migrants in Yemen. A US defense official, who requested anonymity, acknowledged awareness of these civilian casualty claims and indicated that the military is in the process of conducting a thorough evaluation.
Recent airstrikes have reportedly claimed dozens of lives, including 74 individuals in an attack on an oil terminal in mid-April—the most lethal strike in Yemen during Trump’s presidency, according to the Houthi-run health ministry. Human rights advocates have raised alarms regarding the impact on civilians, emphasizing the need for accountability and restraint.
As of this past weekend, the US military reported that it has targeted over 800 sites since mid-March, attributing numerous Houthi fighter and leader casualties to these strikes while effectively dismantling key militant infrastructure.
The Houthis have established dominance over significant portions of Yemen in the last decade. Since November 2023, they have intensified attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, claiming to target ships associated with Israel. They assert these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where ongoing conflict has reportedly resulted in over 52,000 fatalities, prompting accusations of genocide and war crimes that Israel has denied.
The current wave of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict escalated in October 2023, following a Hamas attack that led to the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the capture of approximately 250 hostages. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains watchful, hoping for resolution and peace.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
