The U.S. military conducted additional strikes on a Houthi-controlled site in Yemen, targeting a radar site deemed a threat to commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
The action followed the initial airstrikes by the U.S. and Britain against Houthi rebels. The first day of strikes hit 28 locations, with over 60 targets, prompting President Biden’s warning of potential further strikes.
The latest strike focused on a Houthi radar site, conducted by the navy destroyer USS Carney using Tomahawk land attack missiles.
The situation heightened tensions in the region, with the U.S. navy warning American-flagged vessels to avoid specific areas.
The strikes were a response to the Houthis’ recent campaign of drone and missile attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea.
The Houthi spokesperson vowed retaliation, raising concerns about a wider conflict. The U.S. military assessed the strikes aimed at degrading Houthi capabilities, with the UK also reporting strikes on Houthi-controlled sites.
The Red Sea route’s strategic importance and potential disruptions to global trade were highlighted, with oil prices reacting to the events.
The situation compounded the ongoing conflict in Yemen, where the Houthi rebels control significant territory, leading to a humanitarian crisis.
The U.S. administration faced criticism for the strikes, and there were international reactions, including an emergency UN Security Council meeting.
Russia accused the U.S., UK, and allies of “blatant armed aggression” against Yemen, while U.S. and UK ambassadors emphasized the defensive nature of the attacks and urged Houthi de-escalation to protect shipping lines.