04 Feb 2024 | 09:47 AM UTC
Yemen: Further airstrikes by by US and UK likely in Al-Houthi-controlled areas through late February /update 1
Additional airstrikes by US and UK likely in Al-Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen through late February.
Further airstrikes by the US and UK against military targets in Al-Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen remain likely through late February. The US and UK targeted over 36 military sites overnight Feb. 3-4. Targets included radar systems and drone, ballistic missile, and cruise missile storage sites near or in the governorates of Al-Bayda', Dhamar, Hajjah, Al-Hudaydah, Sana'a, and Ta'izz. Previous coalition airstrikes have targeted locations in or near Abs, Sa'dah, and Zabid.
The airstrikes are in response to dozens of Al-Houthi drone and missile attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The Al-Houthis have vowed to respond to the latest round of airstrikes and to continue their maritime harassment campaign so long as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues.
The Al-Houthis will almost certainly launch retaliatory attacks over the coming days and possibly weeks. The Al-Houthis will likely continue to organize mass demonstrations in areas under its control in opposition to the Israel-Hamas conflict and airstrikes in northwestern Yemen. Violence is not likely at these events. Events are likely to occur in city centers, along major roads, near mosques, and outside government buildings. Protests in solidarity with the Al-Houthis cannot be ruled out in some regional cities.
Heed the instructions of local security forces. If incoming fire is reported in the general vicinity, stay indoors, away from windows and exterior walls. If possible, move to a ground floor or basement. Maintain contact with your country's diplomatic mission. Avoid all demonstrations.
The Al-Houthis, which are officially known as Ansar Allah (Supporters of God), hail from the Houthi tribe in Yemen. While the group emerged in the 1990s, it took over Sana'a and other major cities in northwestern Yemen in September 2014. The Al-Houthis are politically and militarily aligned with Iran and its other proxies in the region.
The Al-Houthis have been launching dozens of attacks against commerical vessels in the Red Sea since Nov. 19 in opposition to the Israeli ground military offensive in the Gaza Strip. CENTCOM has said that its airstrikes are aimed at degrading the group's capacity to attack maritime vessels. The Al-Houthi attacks have manifested in anti-ship ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and cruise missiles. CENTCOM has stated that its airstrikes are separate from Operation Prosperity Guardian, a defensive coalition of over 20 countries operating in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden.
