Fourth Joint Attack by the US and Coalition on Houthi Positions; At Least Eighteen Targets Hit

The Pentagon announced that US and British military forces, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, conducted attacks early Sunday local time against military targets in areas controlled by the Houthis in Yemen. The US Department of Defense and CENTCOM stated in separate announcements that coalition forces destroyed targets including underground weapon depots, missile storage facilities, single-use drones, air defense systems, radars, and a helicopter belonging to the Houthis. According to this statement, the aim of these attacks was to weaken and incapacitate the capabilities of the Iranian-backed Houthi militants to carry out destabilizing attacks against American and international ships in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden. Associated Press also reported, citing American officials, that American and British fighter jets targeted approximately 18 bases in several different regions, destroying missiles, launchers, drones, and surface and underwater Houthi drones in this operation. The US Department of Defense stated: 'The United States has previously declared that it will act, if necessary, to defend lives and the free flow of trade in one of the world's most vital waterways. We warn the Houthis that if they do not stop their illegal attacks that harm Middle Eastern economies, cause environmental damage, and disrupt the delivery of humanitarian aid to Yemen and other countries, they will face consequences.' This is the fourth time that US and British military forces have jointly operated against the Houthis since January 12. The United States has been conducting almost daily airstrikes to destroy Houthi targets, including missiles and drones aimed at ships, as well as weapons that were ready to launch. American fighter jets took off from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, which is currently stationed in the Red Sea. Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen have carried out numerous missile and drone attacks in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden since November, causing insecurity in maritime trade. The US State Department previously condemned the Iranian-backed Houthis' attacks on civilian cargo ships in a statement. Destruction of Houthi ballistic missiles; CENTCOM: Fired at an American oil tanker. CENTCOM reported the destruction of seven Houthi missiles. CENTCOM: Houthi's baseless attacks on ships have also endangered the environment. The US destroyed nine Houthi drones and missiles as an 'imminent threat.' Four Middle Eastern nationals are being prosecuted in the US for attempting to arm the Houthis.