US, UK aircraft target Houthi sites in Yemen

US and UK aircraft have conducted airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen’s Ibb province following the Yemeni militia's claim of shooting down a US drone.

The strikes occurred on September 8, targeting the Maytam region north of Ibb. This latest series of attacks is part of a broader campaign against Houthi positions in response to their assaults on maritime targets, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Details regarding the specific areas struck or any resultant damage remain unclear.

Since the beginning of the year, US and UK forces have targeted Houthi-held provinces including Sanaa, Saada, Hodeidah, and Ibb. These strikes have focused on missile and drone launchers, storage facilities, and drone boats intended for attacks on international shipping lanes.

In a related development, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea claimed that their forces had downed a US MQ-9 drone over the central province of Marib, marking the eighth such claim since their anti-ship campaign commenced in November. The Houthis have yet to provide video evidence to substantiate their claim, a practice they usually follow days later.

Previously, the Houthis had claimed to shoot down similar drones over Hodeidah, Saada, and Marib using domestically produced missiles.

Since late last year, the Houthis have launched hundreds of ballistic missiles, drones, and drone boats at commercial and naval vessels across the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandab Strait, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean. Their campaign, reportedly in solidarity with Palestinians amidst the Gaza conflict, has led to the capture of one commercial ship, the sinking of two others, and significant damage to additional vessels.

The Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion, carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil, remains ablaze in the Red Sea after multiple Houthi attacks. Rescuers have determined the ship too hazardous to relocate and are considering on-site solutions.

Despite a significant reduction in hostilities since April 2022 under a UN-brokered ceasefire, the Houthis continue to launch lethal attacks on government forces in Taiz, Lahj, Dhale, and Marib.