US and UK launch joint strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen for a second time: fighter jets, warships and submarines bomb missile launch facilities across the country in retaliation for Iranian-backed militias with ships in the Red Sea

Australia

US and British forces carried out a second round of attacks on Houthi targets in Yemen on Monday – the latest move against the Iran-linked group over its attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.

The attacks were the eighth launched by the US, but only the second joint effort. The first joint strikes were on January 11.

The US Central Command said the strikes on eight targets were “intended to reduce the Houthis' ability to continue their reckless and unlawful attacks on US and British ships and on international commercial shipping in the Red Sea, the Bab Al-Mandeb- street and the Gulf to continue. from Aden.'

They said the targets “included missile systems and launchers, air defense systems, radars and deeply concealed weapons storage facilities.”

The strikes were ordered by Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after the two spoke on the phone earlier in the day, the White House confirmed.

On Monday evening, US fighter jets were pictured taking off to bomb a series of Houthi targets

A crew member aboard the aircraft carrier is seen Monday evening preparing the plane for takeoff to bomb Houthi targets in Yemen

The locations of the January 11 airstrikes are depicted. It is not yet clear which eight targets were hit on Monday

A fighter jet is seen flying over the aircraft carrier's runway on Monday evening

The fighter jets will take off from the aircraft carrier on Monday evening, en route to Yemen

Houthi rebels are pictured at a tribal gathering near Sanaa, Yemen, on Monday

Houthi supporters are seen at a rally in support of Palestine on Monday. The rebels began their attacks on shipping in a show of support for the Gazans being bombed by Israel

A Houthi fighter manning a vehicle-mounted machine gun during a tribal parade held Monday against US-led airstrikes on locations in Yemen

Statement from US Central Command

As part of ongoing international efforts to respond to increased Houthi destabilizing and illegal activities in the region, on January 22 at approximately 11:59 p.m. (Sanaa/Yemen time), U.S. Central Command troops joined forces with British forces , and with the support of Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands, carried out attacks on 8 Houthi targets in Iranian-backed, Houthi terrorist-controlled areas of Yemen.

These attacks by this multilateral coalition targeted areas in Houthi-controlled Yemen that were used to attack international merchant ships and U.S. Navy vessels in the region. The targets include missile systems and launchers, air defense systems, radars and deeply buried weapons storage facilities.

These attacks are intended to reduce the Houthis' ability to continue their reckless and unlawful attacks on US and British ships and on international commercial shipping in the Red Sea, the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden. These attacks are separate from the multinational freedom of navigation actions conducted under Operation Prosperity Guardian.

US fighter jets from the aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower were reportedly involved in Monday's attacks, but it was not known what the targets were.

CBS News reported that targets included Houthi-operated radars.

Fox reported that the targets included Al Dailami Air Base, along with missile launch sites and weapons storage facilities for ballistic missiles and drones.

The Houthis, who control the most populous parts of Yemen, claim their attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians under attack by Israel in Gaza.

In the past, US and British forces have mainly hit Houthi missiles and radar sites.

The January 11 attacks targeted just under 30 locations with 150 different weapons. CBS reported.

A US official previously told CBS News that the first strikes, on January 11, destroyed enough of the Houthis' air defense capabilities to allow surveillance of their territory and see what the Houthis are preparing.

The White House said Biden and Sunak on Monday “discussed ongoing Iran-backed Houthi attacks on merchant and naval vessels transiting the Red Sea.”

They reiterated “their commitment to freedom of navigation, international trade, and defending sailors from illegal and unjustifiable attacks,” the White House said.

It added: “The President and Prime Minister discussed the importance of increasing humanitarian assistance and civil protection for people in Gaza, and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.”

The Houthi attacks have disrupted global shipping and fueled fears of global inflation.

They have also heightened concerns that the fallout from the war between Israel and Hamas could destabilize the Middle East.

The Houthis, who control the west of the country centered on Sanaa, have wreaked havoc on international shipping

But multiple U.S. strikes over the past month have failed to stop Houthi attacks on shipping.

Container ships pause or divert from the Red Sea leading to the Suez Canal, the fastest freight route from Asia to Europe.

Many ships are forced to take the longer route via the Cape of Good Hope.

The Houthis have not been able to launch an attack since January 18, but have made several attempts.

According to statements from the US Central Command, the US struck Houthi missiles on two occasions this weekend while the missiles were being prepared for launch.