Four RAF Typhoon fighters used Paveway-guided missiles to strike Houthi sites in Yemen|@RoyalAirForce|X

The US and UK militaries jointly launched airstrikes on Houthi rebel-controlled areas in Yemen on Thursday. President Joe Biden justified the action as necessary retaliation against the attacks on international ships in the Red Sea.

Both nations have deployed warships to protect commerce in the strategically vital waterway, where 15% of global seaborne trade transits.

The UK Ministry of Defense reported the use of Paveway-guided missiles by four Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon fighters in the strike.

The overnight operation struck over 60 targets across 16 locations. It comes after warnings to the Houthis and marks the first US action against them since November.

Defense Secretary Llyod Austin revealed that Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands supported the strikes on the rebel groups’ coastal facilities that were allegedly being used to launch attacks.

The strike comes amid ongoing conflict in Yemen, with the Houthi rebels fighting against a coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE.