US and UK military strikes across Yemen targeted radar systems, drone storage facilities and launch pads, ballistic missile storage sites and launch pads, cruise missile storage sites and launch pads, radar systems designed for military surveillance as well as Houthi capabilities to threaten maritime commerce in Red Sea region. These targets were selected with intent of degrading Houthi capabilities that threaten Red Sea trade.
What is the US & UK doing?
United States and Britain launched a joint series of strikes against Iran-align Houthi rebels that have been attacking international shipping in the Red Sea, both from air and sea. US warships fired Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles while British Typhoon fighter jets carrying Paveway IV bombs also participated.
The strikes targeted radar systems, drone storage and launch sites and missile storage facilities. According to the United States, they were conducted as a “direct response” to Houthi attacks that threatened American personnel, civilian mariners and their partners in the region while jeopardising freedom of navigation along one of the world’s busiest waterways and deterring companies from using it.
Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands provided support for these strikes by joining in and backing them as allies of Israel in their attempt to restore commercial access to the Red Sea (which accounts for 15% of global shipping). Hezbollah of Lebanon expressed their anger by condemning them as proof of US support for Israel; Hamas furthermore called out this act of aggression as part of an ongoing war on Palestinians.
Why are they doing it?
Over the past several months, the White House resisted taking military action in Yemen due to fears it might compromise an already fragile truce and open yet another front. But with Houthi missile and drone attacks against commercial ships in Red Sea and deteriorating humanitarian crisis requiring assistance, United States military intervention became inevitable.
The United States and UK are taking measures to deter future attacks by attacking rebel command-and-control, maritime domain awareness, and attack capabilities. According to Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies specializing in Iranian security issues this approach may less likely escalate the conflict than an all-out invasion.
Progressive lawmakers, on the other hand, are outraged that the US is bombing Yemen without congressional approval. Representative Pramila Jayapal from the Democratic Progressive Caucus pointed out: “Any show of force by one of the largest state sponsors of terrorism must be supported by an explicit policy of peace through strength.”
What kind of weapons are they using?
American Navy destroyers in the area used Tomahawk cruise missiles to strike targets that included radar systems and sites storing drones and weapons, according to reports from the Pentagon. British ships joined them in carrying out these strikes – while their strikes were supported by American ships from both navies. Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers formed the backbone of US surface fleet armament including Tomahawk cruise missiles for firing on targets.
The strike was undertaken as a response to Houthi drones and missiles launching against commercial shipping in the Red Sea – essential to global commerce. The Obama administration considered taking direct military action against Houthis rebels in Yemen against any risk of escalation into regional conflict; several Republicans including Sens. Roger Wicker and Rick Scott from the Senate Armed Services Committee had advocated for more aggressive actions against Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
How will this affect the Middle East?
The United States and its allies have established a larger naval mission in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait to enhance protection of ships passing through this region. Comprised of more than 20 nations, it has already seen action.
US officials have long signaled their plans to respond to Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping via missile and drone attacks with potential retaliatory measures, particularly those launched from Yemen by Houthis militants who use missiles and drones against shipping. One senior administration official recently told VOA that Houthis would face “consequences” if they continued their attack against shipping vessels.
On Wednesday, the UN Security Council passed a US-led resolution strongly denouncing more than two dozen attacks on commercial vessels since November and demanding that Houthis immediately stop such actions. It received 11 votes of support including Australia, Bahrain, Canada and four abstentions including China. Saudi Arabia which borders Yemen is seeking peace talks with Houthi rebels but may find this task more difficult if their operations can remain free in its territory.
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