UK Joins US in Airstrikes Against Yemen’s Houthi Militia

The British military has launched its first airstrike alongside the United States targeting Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi militia, Arab News reported. The UK’s involvement marks a new phase in America’s intensified campaign, “Operation Rough Rider,” which began on March 15 under the Trump administration.

Since March 15, USCENTCOM more than 800 strikes have hit over 1,000 targets, killing Houthi fighters and leaders. John Healey, UK Secretary of State for Defense, cited the operation as a response to the Houthis’ threat to freedom of navigation, noting a 55% drop in shipping through the Red Sea has caused billions in economic losses and regional instability.

The joint operation follows controversial US airstrikes, including one on a prison holding African migrants that killed at least 68 people, and another at Ras Isa fuel port causing 74 deaths.