A coalition formed by the United States (US) and the United Kingdom attacked Houthi rebel group targets in Yemen on Thursday night (11/1). The operation included air, sea and submarine operations.
The joint operation comes after the rebel group launched one of its biggest attacks on the Red Sea trade routes since November 19. The UK Ministry of Defense said 21 drones and missiles were launched in the area.
“These attacks are a direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea – including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time in history,” US President Joe Biden said.
Biden added, “I will not hesitate to take further action to protect our people and the free flow of international trade as necessary.”
The White House has condemned Houthi attacks on international shipping lanes in the southern Red Sea. The rebel group's activities have taken place in protest against Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip.
Houthi leaders argue that operations in the Red Sea will end the conflict in the Gaza Strip. The group controls a significant part of Yemen with the support of Iran.
These attacks have affected the international trade route between Europe and Asia, which accounts for 15% of the world's maritime traffic.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who is on a trip to the Middle East, noted that the activities of the rebel group could have consequences.
The US move comes as US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is hospitalized due to complications from prostate cancer surgery.
