Fourth Large-Scale Attack on Houthi Positions; Coalition Forces: We Will Not Hesitate to Defend Human Lives and Free Trade

Following the fourth joint attack by the United States and coalition forces on Houthi positions in Yemen, Australia, Bahrain, Denmark, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States issued a joint statement declaring that they would not hesitate to defend human lives and the free flow of trade. The statement reads: "In response to the ongoing Houthi attacks on commercial ships and naval forces operating in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways, U.S. and British military forces, supported by Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, conducted another round of airstrikes against several targets in Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen." The statement added that today's necessary and proportional attacks specifically targeted 18 Houthi sites in 8 locations in Yemen, including underground weapon depots, missile storage facilities, single-use drones, air defense systems, radars, and a helicopter. The coalition forces stated that these attacks were in response to the continuous Houthi assaults on commercial ships and naval forces, which have endangered not only international sailors but also the lives of Yemeni people, including the missile attack on February 22 that struck a British-owned island vessel injuring one crew member, the missile attack on February 19 that nearly hit a U.S. commercial ship delivering humanitarian aid to Yemen, and the missile attack on February 18 on the Ruby Mar vessel, also British-owned, which forced the crew to abandon ship. The joint statement continued: "Over 45 Houthi attacks on commercial ships and naval forces since mid-November have posed a threat to the global economy as well as regional security and stability, necessitating an international response. Our coalition of aligned countries remains committed to protecting freedom of navigation and international trade and holding the Houthis accountable for their illegal and unjustifiable attacks on commercial ships and naval forces." The coalition members concluded the statement by reiterating their goal of reducing tensions and restoring stability in the Red Sea, but once again warned Houthi leadership that they would not hesitate to defend human lives and the free flow of trade against ongoing threats. This is the fourth time U.S. and British military forces have jointly operated against the Houthis since January 12. The United States has conducted airstrikes almost daily to destroy Houthi targets, including missiles and drones aimed at ships, as well as weapons that were ready for launch. American fighter jets took off from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier, currently stationed in the Red Sea. Houthi militants affiliated with the Islamic Republic in Yemen have carried out numerous missile and drone attacks in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden since November, creating insecurity for maritime trade. The U.S. State Department previously condemned the Houthi attacks on civilian cargo ships. The fourth joint attack by the U.S. and coalition on Houthi positions targeted at least eighteen points. The destruction of Houthi ballistic missiles; CENTCOM: They were fired at an American oil tanker. CENTCOM reported the destruction of seven Houthi missiles. CENTCOM: Houthi's unjustified attacks on ships have also endangered the environment. The U.S. destroyed 9 Houthi drones and missiles as an 'imminent threat.' Four Middle Eastern nationals are being tried in the U.S. for attempting to arm the Houthis. Houthi threats to ships: 'We will use submarines.' Bloomberg: Houthis are preparing for a 'long-term battle' with the U.S. in the Red Sea.