US, UK stage multiple airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen

The U.S. and U.K. on Monday staged airstrikes against eight targets in Yemen aimed at stopping Iran-backed Houthi militants from attacking ships in the Red Sea.

The White House has insisted the retaliatory airstrikes -- seven rounds so far -- have been effective despite repeated Houthi attacks.

"Today, the militaries of the United States and United Kingdom, at the direction of their respective governments with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, conducted an additional round of proportionate and necessary strikes against 8 Houthi targets in Yemen in response to the Houthis' continued attacks against international and commercial shipping as well as naval vessels transiting the Red Sea," said a joint statement released by the nations involved in Monday's airstrikes.

"These precision strikes are intended to disrupt and degrade the capabilities that the Houthis use to threaten global trade and the lives of innocent mariners, and are in response to a series of illegal, dangerous, and destabilizing Houthi actions since our coalition strikes on January 11, including anti-ship ballistic missile and unmanned aerial system attacks that struck two U.S.-owned merchant vessels," the statement added.

"Today's strike specifically targeted a Houthi underground storage site and locations associated with the Houthis' missile and air surveillance capabilities," said the statement.

The statement made clear that the countries involved in Monday's strikes remain focused on de-escalating tensions and restoring stability to the region, but warned that "we will not hesitate to defend lives and the free flow of commerce in one of the world's most critical waterways."

Monday's joint airstrike with the United Kingdom was similar to the first night of airstrikes on Jan. 11 that targeted 28 Houthi locations associated with the Houthi attacks on commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Since then the U.S. had carried out five smaller scale airstrikes targeting Houthi missile sites that were being prepared for imminent launches to target commercial vessels or U.S. Navy ships.

But the Houthis have not been deterred from continuing to launch missiles and drones at commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden which have now risen to more than 30 attacks since mid-November.

Last week Houthi attacks struck two U.S.-owned vessels causing minor damage to the ships, but no injuries.

Earlier on Monday, President Joe Biden spoke by phone with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to discuss the Houthi threat to commercial shipping in the region.

"They reiterated their commitment to freedom of navigation, international commerce, and defending mariners from illegal and unjustifiable attacks," said a White House readout of their call.

Their conversation also touched on "the importance of increasing humanitarian aid and civilian protections for people in Gaza, and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas. The President and Prime Minister also reiterated their support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s continuing aggression."