The United States and Britain struck dozens of targets in Yemen on Saturday in response to repeated attacks on shipping by Iran-backed Houthi rebels that have disrupted global trade and put lives at risk. Britain's Defense Ministry said Royal Air Force Typhoon warplanes struck targets including two ground control stations used to operate both attack and reconnaissance drones. U.S. and U.K. forces responded with strikes against the Houthis, who have since declared American and British interests to be legitimate targets as well. Anger over Israel's devastating campaign in Gaza — which began after an unprecedented Hamas attack on Oct. 7 — has grown across the Middle East, stoking violence involving Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. The United States responded Friday with strikes against dozens of targets at seven Tehran-linked facilities in Iraq and Syria, but did not hit Iranian territory.

Source: The Times February 04, 2024 19:27 UTC