On February 24, 2024, the United States and the United Kingdom conducted airstrikes on 18 Houthi targets in Yemen following a series of attacks by the Iran-backed militants on ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The bombings, which took place in eight locations in Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, aimed at military targets such as underground weapons storage facilities, missile storage facilities, drones, and air defense systems, as per a statement by the U.S. Defense Department.

British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps stated that the airstrikes were carried out to further weaken Houthi drones and launchers utilized in their aggressive assaults. Recent incidents included the shooting down of a U.S. drone and damaging a Belize-flagged, British cargo ship by the Houthis, leading to catastrophic damage and potentially causing the vessel to sink in the Gulf of Aden.

The Houthi rebels, protesting Israel's conflict with Gaza, have launched over 30 attacks on commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea since November. In response, the U.K. and U.S. military have engaged in targeted air and missile strikes against the Iran-backed militants. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the consequences the Houthis would face if they continue their illegal attacks, which disrupt Middle Eastern economies, cause environmental harm, and hinder humanitarian aid deliveries to Yemen and other nations.

Meanwhile, Iran criticized the U.S. and the U.K., accusing them of exacerbating tensions and crises in the region, as tensions escalate following the retaliatory actions against the Houthi attacks.