In a concerted effort to counter the ongoing threat posed by the Iran-linked Houthi group in Yemen, US and British forces launched strikes against more than a dozen Houthi targets on Saturday, officials disclosed. This latest military action underscores the persistent challenges posed by the Houthi militia, which has continued to disrupt shipping in the region.

The United States has maintained a near-daily campaign of strikes against the Houthis, who exert control over significant portions of Yemen. The group's attacks on shipping, purportedly in solidarity with Palestinians amid Israeli strikes on Gaza, have garnered global concern. Despite the sustained strikes, the Houthi assaults persist, adversely impacting international trade and escalating shipping costs.

A joint statement issued by participating nations detailed the military action, which targeted 18 Houthi installations across eight locations in Yemen. Among the objectives were underground weapons and missile storage facilities, air defense systems, radars, and a helicopter.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized that the strikes aimed to further disrupt and degrade the capabilities of the Iranian-backed Houthi militia. He reiterated the consequences that the Houthis would face if they persist in their illegal attacks, which have ramifications for Middle Eastern economies, environmental integrity, and humanitarian aid delivery to Yemen and neighboring nations.

The military operation received support from allied countries including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.

Reacting to the strikes, Al Masirah TV, a prominent news outlet aligned with the Houthi movement, reported that US and UK forces conducted a series of strikes in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. An unnamed Houthi military source dismissed the strikes as a futile attempt to impede Yemen's support operations for Palestinians in Gaza.

Earlier in the week, the Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks on a UK-owned cargo ship and a US destroyer using drones. Additionally, they launched ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israel's port and resort city of Eilat. These actions have disrupted the vital Suez Canal route, which handles approximately 12% of global maritime traffic, necessitating longer and costlier maritime journeys around Africa.

While no ships have been sunk and no casualties reported thus far in the Houthi campaign, concerns mount over the fate of the UK-registered Rubymar cargo vessel. Struck on February 18, the vessel, carrying over 41,000 tonnes of fertilizer, risks environmental disaster in the Red Sea if its cargo spills. Responding to the escalating situation, the European Union has initiated a naval mission in the Red Sea to restore and safeguard freedom of navigation.

Concurrently, the US leads a coalition operation, Operation Prosperity Guardian, focused on shielding commercial traffic from Houthi attacks, underscoring the international community's commitment to safeguarding maritime security amidst regional tensions.