LONDON: US and British
air strikes
were carried out in
Yemen
against Huthi targets in response to recent attacks on
Red Sea shipping
, according to
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
.
In a statement, Sunak referred to the Huthis using alternative spelling and stated that despite repeated warnings from the international community, they have continued to carry out attacks in the Red Sea.
Sunak stressed that the limited and proportionate action taken by the UK and the United States was in self-defense and aimed to degrade Houthi military capabilities and protect global shipping.
US President Joe Biden also commented on the strikes, describing them as "defensive." He warned that further measures would be taken if the Iran-backed rebels continued to attack Red Sea shipping. Biden mentioned that Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands provided non-operational support.
The Huthis have recently increased their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, a crucial waterway through which 12 percent of world trade flows. Huthi television channel Al-Massirah reported that the air strikes targeted the capital Sanaa, as well as the cities of Hodeida and Saada.
US and British forces successfully intercepted 18 drones and three missiles launched by Huthi rebels in the Red Sea earlier this week. The US referred to this attack as a "complex Iranian-designed" operation.
UK Defence Secretary
Grant Shapps
confirmed on social media platform X that four Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets participated in the strikes against Huthi targets, alongside US forces.
Sunak condemned the Huthis' actions as "irresponsible" and "destabilising," stating that their attacks were driving up commodity prices. He asserted that the UK will always defend freedom of navigation and the free flow of trade.
English (US) ·