The United States and United Kingdom carried out a joint military operation in Yemen on Tuesday, targeting a Houthi facility used to build drones. Britain’s Ministry of Defence confirmed the strike, saying it aimed at stopping drone attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The operation targeted a group of buildings about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. Intelligence had identified the site as a drone manufacturing hub used by Houthi forces. The British statement did not mention whether there were any casualties.
The strike took place after dark to minimize the risk to civilians. British aircraft involved in the operation returned safely, according to the statement. The US military has not yet issued an official comment.
This latest action follows orders from President Donald Trump to increase strikes on Houthi targets. His administration has stated it will continue attacking the Iran-backed group until they end assaults on Red Sea shipping routes.
The US and UK have carried out similar joint operations in Yemen in the past. Since November 2023, the Houthis have been targeting ships they claim are linked to Israel, disrupting international trade in the region.
Houthi-controlled television reported on Monday that a US airstrike killed 68 people at a detention center for African migrants. A US defense official, speaking anonymously, said the military is aware of the reports and is assessing the situation.
Earlier this month, a US strike reportedly killed 74 people at an oil terminal. The Houthi-run “health ministry” reported the numbers, but these claims have not been independently verified.
The US military says it has launched over 800 strikes since mid-March, targeting Houthi fighters, leaders, and infrastructure.
