In a historic collaboration, Britain's military has launched a joint operation alongside U.S. forces against Houthi militia in Yemen, marking a significant escalation in U.S.-led efforts against the Iran-backed group since President Trump’s return to office.
Britain Teams Up with U.S. Forces in Yemen Against Houthi Militants
Britain Teams Up with U.S. Forces in Yemen Against Houthi Militants
Military operation marks first joint strike since Trump's presidency resumed, targeting Houthi drone manufacturing sites.
The British Defense Ministry announced early Wednesday that the overnight operation aimed to "degrade Houthi capabilities" and shield UK and international shipping from further attacks. British Typhoon jets, equipped with precision-guided bombs, targeted a facility near Sana, the Yemeni capital, believed to be used for producing drones that have been involved in assaults on vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The operation comes in the wake of a series of Houthi attacks on commercial and naval ships, which the group has claimed is a show of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The British initiative was carefully planned to mitigate risks to civilian lives and infrastructure, with the strike executed during nighttime to minimize potential non-combatant presence in the targeted area.
This recent military action follows a series of strikes on Houthi positions under former President Biden's administration, beginning in January 2024. President Trump’s directive in March to intensify operations, called "Operation Rough Rider," has reportedly seen U.S. forces hit over 800 targets since its inception.
In addition, the operation attracted scrutiny due to comments made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who raised concerns regarding operational security after sharing sensitive mission details on a public messaging platform.
Stephen Castle, a correspondent for The Times, emphasizes Britain’s evolving involvement in the Yemen conflict and its implications for international military cooperation.
The operation comes in the wake of a series of Houthi attacks on commercial and naval ships, which the group has claimed is a show of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The British initiative was carefully planned to mitigate risks to civilian lives and infrastructure, with the strike executed during nighttime to minimize potential non-combatant presence in the targeted area.
This recent military action follows a series of strikes on Houthi positions under former President Biden's administration, beginning in January 2024. President Trump’s directive in March to intensify operations, called "Operation Rough Rider," has reportedly seen U.S. forces hit over 800 targets since its inception.
In addition, the operation attracted scrutiny due to comments made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who raised concerns regarding operational security after sharing sensitive mission details on a public messaging platform.
Stephen Castle, a correspondent for The Times, emphasizes Britain’s evolving involvement in the Yemen conflict and its implications for international military cooperation.
