Analysis by Brad Lendon, CNN

4 minute read

Updated 2:00 AM EST, Fri January 12, 2024

After repeated warnings, United States and British forces have followed through on threats to retaliate against Iran-backed Houthi rebels for their attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea.

Under the cover of darkness they launched missiles and bombs on targets in Yemen from air and sea overnight Friday. Here’s what we know about the weapons and military hardware employed by the US and the UK.

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What kind of weapons are the US and UK using to strike the Houthis? | CNN

The B-17 Flying Fortress, hailed as a potential war-winning weapon, faced a harsh reality by the end of 1943. The American 8th Air Force, heavily relying on these iconic bombers, found themselves teetering on the edge of operational collapse. The menacing combination of German anti-aircraft flak and agile fighter planes systematically shot down B-17s in alarming numbers, forcing a reckoning with the impracticalities of existing strategic bombing doctrines.

As the aerial warfare landscape became increasingly perilous, the United States recognized the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul in leadership, tactics, and technology. In a mere year, the 8th Air Force underwent a remarkable transformation, emerging as masters of the skies over Europe and dealing a decisive blow to the formidable German Luftwaffe.

The catalyst for this turnaround was a multifaceted approach. Firstly, leadership underwent a strategic shift, with seasoned commanders implementing innovative and adaptive tactics. This change in mindset was crucial, as it allowed for a departure from predictable flight patterns that had previously made the B-17s vulnerable to German defences.

Tactical evolution played a pivotal role in the 8th Air Force’s resurgence. Pilots and crew members embraced new formations and defensive manoeuvres, enhancing the survivability of their missions. The adoption of tighter formations, such as the famous “combat box,” maximized the firepower of the B-17s while minimizing their vulnerability to enemy attacks.

Technological advancements also played a crucial role in turning the tide. The introduction of long-range fighter escorts, most notably the P-51 Mustang, provided the B-17s with much-needed protection deep into enemy territory. The extended range of these fighters allowed them to accompany the bombers throughout their entire mission, ensuring a continuous shield against marauding German fighters.

Additionally, improvements in radar technology and the development of electronic countermeasures allowed the 8th Air Force to gain a significant edge in the electronic warfare domain. This denied the Luftwaffe the element of surprise and enabled American bombers to navigate through hostile territory with greater precision.

In essence, the triumphant turnaround of the 8th Air Force can be attributed to a holistic approach that encompassed leadership adaptability, tactical innovation, and technological superiority. This transformation not only safeguarded the B-17s but also paved the way for a strategic dominance that played a pivotal role in the ultimate defeat of Nazi Germany. This video explores the intricacies of these changes, shedding light on a crucial chapter in the history of aerial warfare during World War II.

Today we look at a vehicle which has not seen the light of day since the 1960s. With the help of @armouredarchives8867 we uncover the lost story of Britain’s quest to build an indestructible mine sweeping vehicle known as the M.R.V. Using original archive documents we learn both how it would have been build and ultimately why it failed.

The U.S. Army employs howitzers for precision indirect fire, rocket systems like MLRS for long-range strikes, and mortars for close support. These artillery systems engage enemy positions and provide critical fire support to troops in various operational scenarios. And today we want to show you the 10 best howitzers, rocket systems and mortars in US Army.

The United States and the United Kingdom conducted airstrikes against sites affiliated with the Houthi movement in Yemen. This marks the first such action since the Iran-backed group-initiated attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea late last year. Witnesses in Yemen reported explosions across the country. President Joe Biden warned in a statement on Thursday that further actions could be taken if necessary. Biden emphasized that these targeted strikes convey a strong message against attacks on personnel and threats to freedom of navigation. The UK Ministry of Defence stated that early indications suggest a setback to the Houthis’ capability to endanger merchant shipping. The ongoing strikes represent a significant escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East since it began in October. According to a U.S. official, the strikes involve aircraft, ships, and submarines, targeting over a dozen locations with the aim of diminishing Houthi military capabilities rather than being merely symbolic.

U.S. authorities are evaluating an increasing threat from Lebanese Hezbollah militants, expressing concerns about potential strikes against Americans in the Middle East and the possibility of attacks within the United States. The Iran-backed group is expected to target U.S. personnel in the Middle East initially, with intelligence agencies collecting data indicating the potential for attacks on both U.S. troops and diplomatic personnel abroad.

As regional tensions escalate, the risk of an assault on U.S. soil is also on the rise, according to officials. Hezbollah possesses capabilities unique to the region’s terrorist groups, and while specific attack details are not disclosed, officials highlight the group’s potential to strategically position individuals for possible attacks on the U.S.

Although officials refrain from specifying the nature of potential attacks, they emphasize that Hezbollah’s capabilities surpass those of other terrorist groups in the region. Unlike lone-wolf attacks carried out by individuals inspired by groups like the Islamic State or al-Qaeda, Hezbollah boasts an expansive international network, enabling the group to deploy operatives for potential attacks within the United States.

U.S. troops in the Middle East have already faced attacks from various Iranian proxy groups, including Harakat-al-Nujaba, an Iraqi paramilitary organization. These militias have executed at least 127 attacks on American forces in Iraq and Syria since October 17. While the extent of Hezbollah’s coordination with these groups remains unclear, top intelligence officials in Washington assert that the group shares similar objectives in disrupting the American military’s presence in the region and actively seeks opportunities to target U.S. troops.

An elderly man rear-ended a guy driving an expensive European sports car…

Enraged, the guy hops out and confronts the old man.

He yells, “Look what you did to my car…!!!”

“You’re going to give me $10,000 right now or I’m going to beat you to a pulp!”

“Oh my…” the old man said nervously, “I don’t have that kind of money.”

“Let me call my son…,” he said with hope, “he trains dolphins, and he will know what to do.”

“Dolphins..!?!?!” the other driver huffed, while rolling his eyes.

The old man pulled out his phone, dialled his son, and just as his son answered, the irate man snatched the phone away from the old man.

“So, YOU’RE a dolphin trainer, huh..?!?!” The irate man yelled, “Well, your old man here just rear-ended my car and I need TEN GRAND right now, or I’m going to beat you AND your old man to a pulp…!!”

“I’ll be there in 10 minutes,” says the voice calmly on the other end.

Exactly 10 minutes later, a Jeep pulls up and a guy hops out and proceeds to pulverize the bully, leaving him in a heap on the side of the road.

When he finished, he walked over to his father and said….

“For the last time dad, I train Seals…

Navy Seals.”

“NOT dolphins..!!”

The US Navy intercepted and destroyed 21 Houthi missiles and drones launched from Yemen in a significant attack in the Red Sea. The military labelled it a “complex attack” by Iranian-backed militants, amidst escalating tensions related to Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Launched on Tuesday at 9:15 p.m. in Yemen, the assault included 18 attack drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles, and one anti-ship ballistic missile. The target was international shipping lanes in the southern Red Sea with numerous merchant vessels. Despite the extensive drone and missile launch, no ships were damaged, and there were no reported injuries.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree described the attack as a “coordinated offensive” against an American ship supporting Israel. This was in response to what he termed a “treacherous attack” by US forces on Houthi naval units the previous week. US defence efforts involved two destroyers and F-18 fighter jets from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, with support from the UK’s HMS Diamond. The incident occurred within the context of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational initiative involving over 20 countries to safeguard shipping in the Red Sea.

The UN Security Council is set to vote on a US-led resolution condemning Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The event coincided with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s Middle East visit, aiming to manage the Gaza conflict and prevent regional escalation. Blinken, during his visit to Israel, emphasized the need for Palestinians in Gaza to return home under suitable conditions, urging the Israeli government to minimize civilian casualties.

The Houthis, backed by Iran, claim solidarity with the Palestinian people through their drone and missile launches. While the initial attacks targeted vessels with ties to Israel, recent assaults, totalling 26 in the Red Sea, were unrelated. The US assesses that 55 nations have direct connections to the targeted ships, emphasizing the global impact and the necessity of an international solution. In a joint statement, the US and other nations warned of consequences if Houthi attacks persist, threatening lives, the global economy, and commerce in critical waterways.

Woolworths Group’s recent announcement that it will refrain from selling Australia Day products in 2024 has ignited a heated debate on the significance of the national day. This decision has brought to the forefront the ongoing clash between major corporations, political entities, and civic organizations over Australia Day, symbolizing a broader struggle for the interpretation of the nation’s history and values.

Woolworths’ Stance and Corporate Influence: Woolworths Group, a major player in the Australian retail sector, has declared its decision not to stock special Australia Day merchandise, prompting accusations of a corporate-led assault on the national day. This move follows the company’s past involvement in controversial issues, notably supporting the defeated Voice to Parliament initiative. Critics argue that such corporate involvement raises questions about the alignment of big businesses with political agendas that might not reflect the views of the majority of Australians.

The contentious Voice to Parliament, which aimed to establish an Indigenous advisory body, was met with resistance from a significant portion of the Australian population, as evidenced by its rejection by over 60 percent of voters. Woolworths’ previous support for this initiative is cited as an example of corporate activism aligning with divisive political agendas. The intersection of big corporations, government policies, and civic organizations in such matters reflects a complex landscape where Australia Day becomes a battleground for competing narratives about the nation’s identity and history.

Critics of Woolworths and other large corporations accuse them not only of remaining silent on Australia Day but actively participating in what they term a “relentless attack” against it. This perceived opposition is seen as part of a broader trend involving influential entities that are allegedly out of touch with mainstream Australia. Despite this, proponents of celebrating Australia Day on January 26 argue that it marks the birth of modern Australia, founded on principles such as freedom, egalitarianism, democracy, and tolerance.

While Woolworths and like-minded entities might take a stance that seemingly contradicts the views of mainstream Australia, polls consistently show that the majority of Australians support celebrating Australia Day on January 26. This disconnect between corporate positions and public sentiment raises questions about the role of major corporations in shaping national narratives and values.

The controversy surrounding Woolworths’ decision not to sell Australia Day products in 2024 underscores the ongoing struggle over the interpretation of Australia’s history and values. The clash between corporate influence, government policies, and public sentiment reflects a complex societal landscape where different perspectives vie for dominance. As the debate intensifies, it remains to be seen how this conflict will impact the celebration and understanding of Australia Day in the years to come.