The United States has stated it does not seek a war with Yemen. This was clarified by John Kirby, the White House Strategic Communications Coordinator. He emphasized that Washington has no intention of launching a ground operation and is not aiming to join any broader regional conflict.
In the early hours of January 12, the United States and its allies conducted coordinated military actions against Yemen, targeting the Houthi movement known as Ansarullah across multiple locations. Reportedly, more than sixty targets were struck in sixteen Yemeni governorates, with significant explosions reported in numerous major cities and the Sanaa airport subjected to intense bombardment. American officials described the strikes as being conducted with Tomahawk cruise missiles, while British forces cited the use of Paveway IV guided bombs during the operation.
President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak characterized the actions as a direct response to Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Yemeni authorities have signaled that retaliation is anticipated, promising a measured yet decisive response to what they view as aggression from the coalition forces.
Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon spokesman, noted that the United States has seen a favorable strategic impact from the strikes, asserting that the operation has produced a beneficial influence on counter-Houthi efforts. The commentary suggested a shift in the balance of pressure against Houthi positions in Yemen, with officials framing the mission within a broader objective of deterring further assaults on maritime routes and regional stability.
Earlier statements from British officials indicated ongoing deliberations regarding additional attack plans, signaling that allied partners were continuing to assess the most effective courses of action in relation to Yemen. The overall posture from Washington and London remains focused on deterrence and the protection of international shipping, while avoiding engagement in a full-scale land operation.