The operation was aimed at a cluster of buildings situated approximately 24 kilometres South of the Yemeni capital, Sanaa
The United States (U.S) and the United Kingdom (U.K.) forces have carried out a coordinated military operation in Yemen, targeting a facility allegedly used by Iran-backed Houthi rebels to manufacture drones deployed in attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, U.K., the strike was aimed at a cluster of buildings situated approximately 24 kilometres South of the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. The site was believed to be a hub for producing unmanned aerial vehicles similar to those previously used to disrupt maritime trade in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The airstrike, which took place after nightfall to minimize civilian presence, was confirmed to have been completed without incident to British aircraft.
The operation follows a recent directive by the President of the U.S. – Donald Trump to intensify military pressure on the Houthis, who have controlled significant territory in Yemen for over a decade. The Trump administration has stated that operations will continue until the Houthis cease attacks on international shipping, which they claim are in response to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have targeted vessels in the Red Sea, asserting they are retaliating against Israel in solidarity with Palestinians. Gaza’s Health Ministry has reported more than 52,000 deaths since the conflict escalated in October 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly assault on Israel, killing 1,200 and abducting around 250 people.
A Statement from the Ministry of Defence, U.K. read, “This Government will always act in the interests of our national and economic security. Royal Air Force Typhoons have successfully conducted strikes against a Houthi military target in Yemen and all U.K. aircraft and personnel have returned safely to base. We conducted these strikes, supported by the U.S. to degrade Houthi capabilities and prevent further attacks against U.K. and international shipping.”
Taking it to X, the Ministry of Defence, U.K. tweeted,
Overnight, @RoyalAirForce Typhoons conducted strikes against a Houthi military target in Yemen to defend freedom of navigation, strengthen regional stability, protect UK economic security, and reduce the Houthis' capacity to launch further attacks. https://t.co/Hlu2Yhk3Oi pic.twitter.com/gppCNZTgQt
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) April 29, 2025
Meanwhile, Houthi-run media reported that a U.S. airstrike hit a detention centre housing African migrants, resulting in at least 68 fatalities. While the Pentagon has not confirmed the strike, the U.S. said an investigation into the incident and any potential civilian casualties is underway.
In recent months, since Trump began this campaign, ‘Operation Rough Rider’ on 15th March’25, the U.S. has reportedly conducted over 800 airstrikes against Houthi positions, claiming significant damage to rebel infrastructure and leadership. However, human rights organizations have expressed alarm at the growing civilian death toll. The deadliest U.S. strike under the Trump administration to date occurred in mid-April, when 74 individuals were killed at an oil terminal, according to the Houthi-controlled health ministry.
