[MAIL] US and UK military forces have 'successfully' completed targeted strikes in Yemen used by Houthi to attack ships in waters near the Arabian Peninsula. Joe Biden announced the airstrikes on Thursday night against the Middle Eastern nation as missiles came from planes, destroyers and submarines.
The US used more than 100 precision missiles striking at around 2.30am local time on over 60 targets at 16 locations, according during the strikes, according to the air force.
The attacks come in response to months of Houthi-led bombings on ships in the Red Sea - amid the conflict between Israel and Gaza.
US officials had warned there would be 'consequences' for the Houthi's attack on non-military ships in the Red Sea.
Explosions were reported in Sana'a, Hodeidah governorate, Saada, and Dhamar, Houthi officials confirmed. It's unclear the extent of the damage or any injuries.
Fighter jets, Navy destroyers, submarines and Tomahawk cruise missiles were all used in the blitz. Sites and airfield used to launch drones against ships were hit, according to officials.
At least one submarine was deployed, the US would not confirm exactly which one but Ohio-class guided-missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN-728) entered the Red Sea in November, USNI News reports. The vessel has capacity for 154 missiles.
Super Hornets from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) were also deployed, along with Air Force strike fighters originating from a base in the Middle East and according to the outlet.
The US and UK, along with Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands, joined together for the attack.
'These targeted strikes are a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical commercial routes,' Biden said.
'I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary.'
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also released a statement in the wake of the attacks. It was his first public comment since his health scandal saw him in the ICU of the hospital for prostate cancer treatment, without the White House knowing about his condition.
'This action is intended to disrupt and degrade the Houthis' capabilities to endanger mariners and threaten global trade in one of the world's most critical waterways. Today's coalition action sends a clear message to the Houthis that they will bear further costs if they do not end their illegal attacks,' Austin said.