American and British troops conducted joint operation in Yemen

The British Armed Forces participated in a joint operation with the US Armed Forces on Yemeni territory against Houthi militant targets.

The operation took place on April 29, as confirmed by the UK Ministry of Defence.

London explained that the action was "This action was in line with long-standing policy of the UK government, following the Houthis initiating their campaign of attacks in November 2023, threatening freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, striking international ships, and killing innocent merchant mariners."

This joint operation targeted military facilities used by the Houthis to produce drones, similar to those used in attacks on ships.

"Careful intelligence analysis identified a cluster of buildings, used by the Houthis to manufacture drones of the type used to attack ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, located some fifteen miles south of Sanaa," stated the UK Ministry of Defence.

Downing Street reported that Typhoon FGR4 aircraft of the Royal Air Force, supported by air-to-air refueling tankers from Voyager, struck a number of these buildings using precision-guided Paveway IV bombs.

Additionally, it was emphasized that this operation occurred "once very careful planning had been completed to allow the targets to be prosecuted with minimal risk to civilians or non-military infrastructure."

Houthi-controlled television in Yemen reported on Monday that a US airstrike on an African migrant detention center in the country killed 68 people, according to Reuters.

A US defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated to Western media on Monday that the US military is aware of reports of civilian casualties and is conducting an assessment.

"As a further precaution, the strike was conducted after dark, when the likelihood of any civilians being in the area was reduced yet further. All of our aircraft subsequently returned safely," said the British Ministry of Defence.

US and allied operations against Houthis

In March, US President Donald Trump ordered the intensification of strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The US government also stated that American strikes would continue until Iran-backed militants ceased their attacks on ships in the Red Sea.

On March 16, the Houthis targeted the US aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea.

At that time, US President Donald Trump stated that Iran was responsible for the Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea and added that "terrible consequences" awaited the country.

On April 17, reports surfaced that US military forces had launched extensive strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen.

Previously, the US and UK had also conducted joint operations and carried out strikes against targets in Yemen.

Additionally, on April 18, the US military reported that American forces attacked the Ras Isa fuel port in Yemen, which is controlled by the Houthis. The goal of the operation was to cut off the fuel supply to Iran-backed militants.

On April 29, US media reported that a US Navy F-18 fighter jet sank in the Red Sea after the Houthis attacked the USS Harry S. Truman. As a result of the incident, one sailor suffered a minor injury.