British Defence Ministry reports overnight strikes targeting Houthi drone production facilities.
US and UK forces executed coordinated air strikes close to Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, targeting drone manufacturing sites associated with the Houthi armed group, according to British officials.
On Wednesday morning, the UK provided a comprehensive account of the strikes, in contrast to the US, which has shared minimal information regarding the numerous strikes it has conducted since resuming operations on March 15.
The evening strikes occurred approximately 24km (15 miles) south of Sanaa and struck locations identified by UK intelligence as sites for drone production, which have reportedly been used in attacks on ships in the Red Sea, as stated by the British Ministry of Defence.
The ministry emphasized that the mission was designed to limit civilian casualties, though specific numbers were not disclosed.
The US has repeatedly targeted Houthi positions over the last month but has yet to comment on the recent joint strike.
In mid-March, US President Donald Trump instructed the military to carry out “decisive and powerful” strikes against the Houthis if they continued their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
Since then, the Pentagon claims that strikes have hit over 1,000 targets in Yemen, resulting in casualties among Houthi fighters and leaders while weakening their capabilities.
Nonetheless, concerns regarding civilian casualties are increasing.
Houthi-affiliated media reported that a recent US airstrike hit a detention center for African migrants, resulting in 68 fatalities.
The rights group Mwatana for Human Rights, based in Sanaa, states it has recorded hundreds of civilian casualties from recent US operations.
“For over a decade of armed conflict, Yemeni civilians have faced indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks from various factions,” said Radhya al-Mutawakel, chairwoman of Mwatana.
“As they hoped for an end to this violent chapter, they now find themselves at risk of being targeted by US airstrikes,” she added.
A US defense official, who requested anonymity, informed Reuters that the Pentagon is aware of reports regarding civilian casualties from Monday’s strike and is currently evaluating the situation.
The Houthis have been in control of significant portions of Yemen for nearly a decade. Since November 2023, they have initiated missile and drone assaults on vessels they allege are linked to Israel in the Red Sea, affecting global shipping routes.
