UK and US Launch Strikes on Houthi Targets in Yemen
In a joint effort to protect innocent lives and preserve freedom of navigation, the United Kingdom and the United States have launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps emphasized that these strikes are not an escalation of the conflict but rather a necessary response to the continued attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that three sites were hit by RAF Typhoon jets on Saturday night, marking the third wave of joint UK and US attacks on the Iran-backed group. More than 30 targets were struck in total, with the aim of degrading the Houthis’ capabilities. These strikes were supported by forces from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.
The Houthis, a rebel militant group in Yemen, have been targeting ships they claim are linked to Israel and the West that pass through the important Red Sea trade route. Their attacks on UK and international vessels have been deemed unacceptable by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. He stated that it is their duty to protect innocent lives and preserve freedom.
The RAF Typhoon FGR4s, flying from RAF Akrotiri military base in Cyprus, successfully hit three targets identified through careful intelligence analysis. These targets included two stations believed to be used for controlling Houthi drones and several other significant locations. The Ministry of Defence assured that the strikes were meticulously planned to minimize the risk of civilian casualties.
Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron expressed his concern over the Houthi attacks, stating that they must stop. The joint UK and US air strikes on Saturday came after repeated warnings to the rebel group. Lord Cameron took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to convey his message that the Houthi’s reckless actions are endangering innocent lives, threatening freedom of navigation, and destabilizing the region.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the Houthis will face further consequences if they do not halt their attacks in the Red Sea. The joint action by the UK and US followed the US strikes in Syria and Iraq, targeting an Iran-backed militia group responsible for a drone attack on a military base that claimed the lives of three soldiers.
Iran, which has denied involvement in the drone attack, criticized the strikes, stating that they will only intensify tensions and instability in the region. However, Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron stressed the need to hold Iran accountable for its proxies. He emphasized that Iran created, backed, financed, and armed these groups, and they will ultimately be held responsible for their actions.
The Houthis began attacking merchant vessels in response to Israel’s military ground operation in Gaza last November. Since then, they have launched numerous attacks on commercial tankers passing through the Red Sea, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. In response, the US and UK launched airstrikes on Houthi targets on January 11th.
The joint strikes by the UK and US aim to send a strong message to the Houthis and Iran that their actions are unacceptable. By degrading the capabilities of the Houthis and holding Iran accountable for its proxies, these strikes seek to protect innocent lives, ensure freedom of navigation, and bring stability to the region.