London/Washington D.C. – The Red Sea, a crucial artery for global trade, became the stage for a decisive international response on January 10th, 2024. A coalition led by the United States and United Kingdom launched targeted strikes against Houthi-controlled targets in Yemen, marking a sharp escalation in response to persistent attacks on maritime traffic.
The Houthis have unleashed over two dozen attacks on commercial vessels since mid-November, jeopardizing lives and threatening the free flow of goods through this vital waterway. These attacks, including recent assaults on U.S. and UK vessels, prompted a joint statement from 10 nations on January 3rd, condemning the violence and warning of potential consequences.
Despite this international pressure, the attacks continued. This prompted the coalition, which also included the Netherlands, Canada, Bahrain, and Australia, to take decisive action. The precision strikes, conducted in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, aimed to disrupt the Houthis’ capabilities for launching maritime attacks while minimizing civilian casualties.