U.S. and Allies' Airstrikes Trigger Warnings of Severe Consequences from Iran and Yemen

The U.S. and its allies, including the UK, Australia, Canada, Bahrain, and the Netherlands, launched airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen on January 12, marking a departure from the Biden administration's non-involvement stance.

The military intervention was triggered by over two dozen Houthi drone and missile attacks on shipping since November 2023, raising concerns about the escalation of the conflict. The coalition, involving Royal Air Force Eurofighters, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, U.S. Navy destroyers, and the USS Florida guided missile submarine, targeted 60 locations in Yemen, focusing on radar, air defense systems, and storage and launch sites.

The strikes were a response to Houthi attacks on international maritime vessels in the Red Sea, threatening U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, trade, and freedom of navigation.

President Joe Biden justified the action, emphasizing the need to protect against Houthi aggression. Iran strongly condemned the military intervention, denouncing it as arbitrary and a violation of Yemen's sovereignty. Yemen's Deputy Foreign Minister warned of severe repercussions, and Middle Eastern allies expressed concern over potential escalation involving other Iranian proxies in the conflict.