The US and Britain carried out strikes from the air and sea against Houthi military targets in response to the movement’s attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Witnesses in Yemen confirmed explosions throughout the country, and President Joe Biden issued a statement warning of further action if needed. The strikes were intended to send a clear message that the United States and its partners will not tolerate attacks on their personnel or freedom of navigation. The targeted strikes were meant to weaken the Houthi capabilities, but the group vowed to retaliate to any attack. The Houthis say their attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea are in support of the Palestinians and Hamas. The strikes were also seen as part of an international effort to restore the free flow of trade in a key route between Europe and Asia. However, there are fears that the situation could escalate and draw in other regional players, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The Houthi attacks have disrupted international commerce, leading to increased delivery costs and stoking fears of global inflation. Prior to the US and British strikes, the Houthis fired an anti-ship ballistic missile into international shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden. This was followed by the US and British naval forces shooting down 21 Houthi drones and missiles in a complex attack.