The UK has joined US forces in attacking a Houthi goal in Yemen for the primary time since Donald Trump was re-elected.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed the strikes came about on Tuesday as a part of the federal government’s response to Houthi assaults on worldwide transport within the Purple Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The ministry mentioned cautious intelligence evaluation recognized a cluster of buildings utilized by the Houthis to fabricate the form of drones used to assault ships, situated 15 miles south of the capital Sanaa.
RAF Hurricane FGR4s performed strikes on a number of buildings utilizing Paveway IV precision-guided bombs.
The planes had air refuelling assist from Voyager tankers.
The ministry mentioned the strike was performed after darkish to cut back the chance of civilians being within the space.
All of the plane returned safely.
Picture:
John Healey. Pic: Reuters
Defence Secretary John Healey mentioned: “This government will always act in the interests of our national and economic security.
“Royal Air Drive Typhoons have efficiently performed strikes in opposition to a Houthi army goal in Yemen and all UK plane and personnel have returned safely to base.
“We conducted these strikes, supported by the US, to degrade Houthi capabilities and prevent further attacks against UK and international shipping.”
Houthis a ‘persistent risk’ to ‘freedom of navigation’
Mr Healey mentioned Houthi actions within the Purple Sea are a “persistent threat” to “freedom of navigation”.
“A 55% drop in shipping through the Red Sea has already cost billions, fuelling regional instability and risking economic security for families in the UK,” he mentioned.
“The government is steadfast in our commitment to reinforcing global stability and protecting British working people. I am proud of the dedication and professionalism shown by the service men and women involved in this operation.”
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US intensifies strikes on Houthis
It was the primary time UK forces have struck a goal in Yemen since Could final 12 months, the ministry confirmed.
The US has intensified its strikes on the Iran-backed Houthis beneath Mr Trump’s presidency, after his re-election in November 2024.
The group started launching assaults on transport routes in November 2023 saying they had been in solidarity with Palestinians over Israel’s struggle with Hamas in Gaza.
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Footage displaying individuals being pulled from rubble has been launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen
The strike got here after a Houthi-controlled TV channel claimed a US strike killed 68 individuals at a detention centre for African migrants in Yemen on Monday.
