The UK has joined forces with the US for a military strike against Houthi targets in Yemen. This marks the first time UK forces have participated in such an operation since Donald Trump was re-elected. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the strikes occurred on Tuesday in response to Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
According to the Ministry, careful intelligence identified a group of buildings used by the Houthis to produce drones intended for attacks on ships. These buildings were located about 15 miles south of Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. The Royal Air Force deployed Typhoon FGR4 jets to carry out the strikes, using precision-guided Paveway IV bombs. The aircraft received air refueling support from Voyager tankers during the operation.
The strikes were conducted at night to minimize the risk of civilian casualties, and all aircraft returned safely to base after the mission. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the importance of these actions for national and economic security, stating that the UK government is committed to protecting international shipping routes and ensuring global stability.
Healey described Houthi activities in the Red Sea as a "persistent threat" to freedom of navigation. He noted that a significant decline in shipping through this region has already cost the economy billions, contributing to regional instability. The UK government aims to reinforce security for British families and businesses through these military actions.
This operation is particularly significant as it is the first strike by UK forces in Yemen since May of the previous year. The US has ramped up its military actions against the Iran-backed Houthis since Trump’s re-election, especially following the group’s recent attacks on shipping routes, which they claim are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The strikes come in the wake of claims from a Houthi-controlled TV channel that a US airstrike killed 68 people at a detention center for African migrants in Yemen just a day prior. This has raised concerns about the humanitarian impact of military actions in the region.
