UK and US Forces Launch Joint Air Strikes on Houthi Target in Yemen

London: Britain said it joined US forces in air strikes on a Houthi military target in Yemen overnight, hitting a rebel drone production facility about 25 km south of Sanaa. The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed the operation in a statement Wednesday. According to France24.com, US and British forces conducted a joint military operation in Yemen on Tuesday. Britain's Ministry of Defence stated the operation targeted a Houthi military site responsible for manufacturing drones like those used in attacks on shipping. President Donald Trump ordered an intensification of US strikes on Yemen last month, with his administration declaring it will continue to target Iran-backed Houthi rebels until they cease attacks on Red Sea shipping. The strike was conducted after dark to reduce the likelihood of civilian presence in the area, according to the British statement, which also confirmed that its aircraft returned safely. There was no immediate comment from the US military. Houthi-controlled television reported on Mon day that a US airstrike killed 68 people at a detention center for African migrants in Yemen. A US defense official, speaking anonymously, indicated that the US military was aware of claims regarding civilian casualties and was conducting an assessment. Recent US strikes have resulted in dozens of deaths, including 74 at an oil terminal in mid-April, marking the deadliest strike in Yemen under Trump so far, according to the Houthi-run health ministry. Rights advocates have expressed concerns about civilian casualties. The US military stated over the weekend that it has struck over 800 targets since mid-March, claiming numerous Houthi fighters and leaders have been killed while the militant group's facilities have been destroyed. The Houthis have taken control of large areas of Yemen over the past decade. Since November 2023, they have launched attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, claiming to target ships linked to Israel. They assert their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel's war has resulted in over 52,000 deaths, according to Gaza's health ministry, leading to accusations of genocide and war crimes, which Israel denies. The recent escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered in October 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and approximately 250 hostages, as reported by Israel.