U.S. Launches Retaliatory Strikes On Yemen Rebels' Radar Sites

Note: This BBC interview can be heard in the Here & Now podcast or with the WBUR app.

The U.S. has fired its first retaliatory shots in the civil war in Yemen.

The conflict has been going on for more than a year between Shiite Houthis — who've taken control of the capital city Sana'a — and the Sunni government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, who are loyal to the current president based in Aden.

The U.S. has given some support to Saudi Arabia, but was critical earlier this week when a Saudi-led coalition attacked a funeral service in Sana'a, claiming it was mistake. But after two incidents earlier this week in which missiles were fired at American naval ships, the U.S. took action today, taking out three Houti radar sites with Tomahawk missiles.

The BBC's Mai Norman is covering the story and joins Here & Now's Robin Young to discuss the latest.

Mai Norman, reporter for the BBC.