"Escalating Conflict: U.S. and U.K. Launch Fresh Strikes on Houthi Targets in Yemen"

The U.S. and U.K. conducted a fourth round of joint airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, hitting 18 locations and involving a coalition of nations. Despite the strikes, the Houthis have continued launching missiles and drones at ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, prompting U.S. defense officials to take more than 30 self-defense strikes. The coalition remains committed to protecting freedom of navigation and international commerce, holding the Houthis accountable for their attacks on commercial shipping and naval vessels. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the need to defend lives and the free flow of commerce in critical waterways, while the Houthis have linked their attacks to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.