The United States and the United Kingdom carried out a joint military strike in Yemen, targeting a Houthi-controlled site used to build drones. These drones have been used in attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The UK Ministry of Defence said the strike took place at night near Sanaa, Yemen’s capital, to lower the risk of civilian casualties. Intelligence had shown the site was producing drones used in recent attacks on international shipping. British aircraft returned safely after the operation.

This attack is part of ongoing military action against Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran. Last month, US President Donald Trump ordered more strikes on the group, aiming to stop their attacks on ships.

Since November 2023, the Houthis have targeted ships in the Red Sea. They claim they are doing this to support Palestinians in Gaza, where thousands have been killed in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Houthi-controlled media reported that earlier US airstrikes killed 68 people at a detention center for African migrants. The US military has not yet confirmed these deaths but says it is investigating.

Human rights groups have raised concerns about civilian deaths. The US military said it has launched over 800 strikes since mid-March, killing many Houthi fighters and destroying their facilities.

The Houthis have gained control of large parts of Yemen over the past ten years and continue to challenge international forces in the region.