In a significant escalation of military action, Britain’s military confirmed that it has conducted a joint operation with U.S. forces aimed at the Houthi militia in Yemen. This operation, the first since President Trump resumed office, targets the Iran-backed group which has been increasingly aggressive in the region.
Details about the military operation were shared by the British Defense Ministry early Wednesday morning, stating that it was executed overnight to mitigate Houthi capabilities and safeguard both U.K. and international maritime interests. Typhoon jets, equipped with precision-guided bombs, were deployed to strike a specific location approximately 15 miles south of Sana, the Yemeni capital, targeting buildings used for drone manufacturing that have been linked to attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
While the operation's aftermath regarding casualties and infrastructure damage was not disclosed, the Ministry assured that extensive planning was prioritized to minimize the risk posed to civilians. The strike was executed after dark, further reducing the potential for civilian presence in the vicinity.
In context, the Houthis have intensified their campaign against commercial and naval shipping in the region since late 2023, framing their actions as solidarity with Palestinians amidst ongoing conflicts in Gaza. Previous joint military efforts by Britain against Houthi targets had followed orders from former President Biden, which commenced in January 2024. Following Trump's re-establishment of military engagement, American forces claimed to have targeted over 800 locations in a campaign dubbed "Operation Rough Rider."
This latest operation comes at a time when questions regarding operational security have emerged, particularly after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared sensitive operational details through unclassified communication channels, raising concerns about future collaboration with U.S. allies in military operations.
