The Military Coalition Led by the United States and the United Kingdom Strikes at Houthi Positions in Yemen

During the night of January 11 to 12, the United States, in coordination with the United Kingdom and with support from Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and Bahrain, launched joint strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. This information was reported by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

The strikes aimed to limit the Houthi capability to attack civilian and military vessels in the Red Sea. The coalition targeted radar systems, anti-aircraft defence systems, as well as storage and launch sites for drones, cruise, and ballistic missiles.

In a statement released by the White House press service, U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed the strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen. He stated that these actions were a response to the aggressive attacks by the Houthis on international vessels in the Red Sea, including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles.

"Today, at my direction, U.S. armed forces, together with the United Kingdom and supported by Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, successfully struck a series of targets in Yemen that were used by Houthi rebels to threaten freedom of navigation on one of the world's most crucial waterways," Biden noted.

He emphasized that appropriate measures would continue to be taken if necessary. It is worth noting that on Tuesday, January 9, the Houthis conducted a massive attack using rockets and drones on ships in the Red Sea. In recent months, vessels from various countries have consistently come under fire and direct attacks by Houthi militants operating from Yemen.

In response, the U.S. declared a mission involving 10 allies to protect maritime trade. The mission includes the participation of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the Seychelles, and Bahrain.

Some of these countries are involved in patrolling the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to safeguard trade ships from Houthi attacks originating from Yemen, while others contribute through reconnaissance efforts.

The deteriorating security situation is prompting leading maritime transport companies to consider changing routes between Asia and Europe, posing a threat of further logistics delays and cost increases. Reports indicate that sea container shipments through certain companies have doubled in cost due to Houthi attacks.