US strikes hit Houthi weapons depots in Yemen

U.S. forces have successfully conducted precision strikes on five underground weapons depots located in Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen, as confirmed by U.S. Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin.

“Today, U.S. military forces, including U.S. Air Force B-2 bombers, executed targeted operations against five fortified underground weapons depots held by the Houthis,” Austin stated, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

He indicated that these warehouses contained “various components of weapons used by the Houthis to attack civilian vessels and warships in the region.”

Austin emphasized that these strikes are intended to “further diminish the Houthis' capability to engage in destabilizing actions” and will help safeguard U.S. forces. He assured that the U.S. “will not hesitate to take measures to protect” its personnel and prevent any future assaults on ships.

Following a recent escalation of conflict in the Gaza Strip, the Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, warned of potential attacks on Israeli territory and stated they would obstruct vessels associated with Israel from navigating through the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait until operations in the Palestinian enclave ceased. Since November 2023, the Houthis have launched numerous attacks on civilian ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

In response to these actions, U.S. authorities announced the establishment of an international coalition and initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian to ensure freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Red Sea. Consequently, armed forces from both the United Kingdom and the United States have begun conducting regular strikes against rebel military targets in Yemen.

By Tamilla Hasanova