The United States and the United Kingdom have joined forces in launching a series of airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The latest round of joint coalition strikes, which took place on Saturday, marked the fourth such operation since January 11 with the aim of pressuring the Houthis to cease their attacks on commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea.

According to a joint statement released by a coalition of nations involved in Saturday's actions, which included Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, airstrikes were carried out on 18 Houthi targets across eight locations in Yemen. The targets included underground weapons storage facilities, missile storage facilities, unmanned aerial systems, air defense systems, radars, and a helicopter.

Recent reports indicate that the U.S. has also conducted over 30 self-defense strikes against Houthi weapons that were deemed ready to launch attacks on commercial vessels or U.S. Navy ships. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the United States' commitment to defending lives and ensuring the free flow of commerce in vital waterways, warning the Houthis of consequences if they persist in their illegal attacks.

Despite the barrage of strikes, the Houthis have continued their aggressive actions by launching missiles and drones at ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. U.S. defense officials state that there have been at least 60 Houthi attacks since November 19.

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh highlighted that while not all Houthi capabilities have been eliminated, the ongoing strikes are progressively degrading their resources. The Houthis have attributed their attacks to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, vowing to target ships supporting Israel. However, many of the vessels targeted by the Houthis have no connection to Israel or the Gaza conflict.

The joint statement from the coalition of nations underscores the threat posed by over 45 Houthi attacks on commercial and naval ships since mid-November to the global economy, regional security, and stability. The coalition remains resolute in upholding freedom of navigation, international commerce, and holding the Houthis accountable for their unlawful and unwarranted assaults on commercial shipping and naval vessels.