The United States is dedicated to countering Houthi threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea, as stated by Secretary of the Department of Defense (DOD), Lloyd J. Austin III, in a recent social media post.
"Today I spoke with the Saudi Minister of Defense @kbsalsaud to discuss U.S. military action in Iraq and Syria, and U.S.-UK-led coalition military action in Yemen. The United States will continue working with regional partners to address threats to U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, as well as Houthi threats to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea", said Lloyd J. Austin III, according to X.
In a DOD news release, it was reported that recent strikes ordered by President Joe Biden against the Iran-backed militia were successful. These strikes were conducted in response to a drone strike that killed three U.S. service members and wounded 40 others at Tower 22 base in Jordan. The American military forces are stationed in the region to counteract ISIS. On Feb. 2, U.S. military forces carried out strikes on seven facilities in Iraq and Syria intended to disrupt Houthi logistics and intelligence centers along with weapon depots.
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated, "Although we continue to evaluate, we currently assess that we had good effects and the strikes destroyed or functionally damaged more than 80 targets at the seven facilities." He added that "the number of casualties is still being assessed."
According to a news release, Austin discussed U.S. and U.K.-led coalition strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen with Saudi Minister of Defense, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman on Feb. 5. The U.S.'s intention is to collaborate with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to safeguard commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea from Houthi threats.
Ryder further commented, "This collective action sends a clear message to the Houthis that they will continue to bear further consequences if they do not end their illegal attacks." He emphasized, "Again, the U.S. does not want escalation, and the strikes are directly in response to the actions by the Iranian-backed Houthis. However, we will not hesitate to defend lives and the free flow of commerce in one of the world's most critical waterways."
