The United Kingdom joined the United States in conducting precision airstrikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen on Tuesday.
Newsweek has reached out to the Pentagon and the Iran-backed Houthi group for comment.
Why It Matters
The operation marked the first time another country has joined the U.S. in a major military action ordered by President Donald Trump, underscoring the UK’s renewed role as Washington’s closest ally and reinforcing the long-standing “special relationship” between the two nations.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Isaiah Goessl/U.S. Navy/AP
What To Know
British air forces launched airstrikes on alleged Houthi targets in Yemen, in a joint operation that took place with U.S. forces, according to UK Defense Ministry statement issued on Wednesday.
Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s, supported by Voyager tankers, carried out strikes with Paveway IV precision guided bombs, targeting drone manufacturing sites used by the group in ship attacks, the ministry added.
The joint strike comes amid “Operation Rough Rider” launched by the U.S. Central Command forces (CENTCOM) against the Houthis in Yemen in March.
No damage or casualties were reported by the Houthis, who have launched over a hundred missile and drone attacks on ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since the outbreak of the war in Gaza.
The group has claimed multiple attacks on U.S. aircraft carriers in past weeks in retaliation for airstrikes in which they said dozens of civilians were killed.
Joint U.S. and UK operations during former president Joe Biden‘s administration, hit Houthi rebel strongholds in Yemen, including bases, weapons systems, and equipment—using military aircraft and ships.
What People Are Saying
UK Ministry of Defense statement: “This action was in line with long-standing policy of the UK government, following the Houthis initiating their campaign of attacks in November 2023, threatening freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, striking international ships, and killing innocent merchant mariners.”
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Monday: “Since the start of Operation Rough Rider, USCENTCOM has struck over 800 targets. These strikes have killed hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous Houthi leaders, including senior Houthi missile and UAV officials.”
Houthi Military Spokesperson Yahya Saree on Monday via Telegram: “The Yemeni Armed Forces will persist to target and pursue the aircraft carrier and all enemy warships in the Red and Arabian Seas until the aggression against Yemen is halted.”
What Happens Next
The U.S. will continue to intensify military pressure against Houthis in Yemen, aiming to restore navigation at the vital global shipping route.