Security insiders warn of UK terror attack risk after airstrikes on Yemen
Britain faces a terror backlash after joining US airstrikes on Yemen, an intelligence expert warned.
RAF jets pounded Houthi targets on Thursday night, in response to rebel attacks on western ships in the Red Sea. The expert said: “I believe the terror threat will increase because of the twisted anti-western narrative.”
And energy and household bills could soar due to the disruption of ship supplies. The PM ordered British warplanes to join US airstrikes on war-ravaged Yemen on Thursday night in response to rebel attacks on western commercial shipping. Mr Sunak insisted the mission was “necessary, proportionate” action against military targets to “disrupt Houthi capability”.
But the Iran-backed militants yesterday warned they would avenge the airstrikes, which they claim killed at least five people, in the region. And there are fears British extremists could also launch lone-wolf attacks here. A security insider said: “I expect the threat level of terrorism in the to increase. This will have been something taken into consideration.”
A western intelligence expert added: “Britain as a kind of deputy to America is high in the sights of jihadists and the expanding Middle East conflict is making us a greater target, even though our actions were justified.”
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British intelligence officer Mike Tapp said: “We must always stand firm against international threats to British interests, whilst remaining vigilant at home and staying on top of evolving threats. We have the finest security services in the world, who have already foiled Iranian plots in the UK, so we know that there is a present threat.”
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan warned Britain and the US is “trying to turn the Red Sea into a sea of blood” with its strikes. He added: “Houthis will give the necessary response in the region to the United States and Britain.”
The rebels are attacking western ships in a bid to force Israel to stop its bombardment of Gaza. They had initially threatened vessels going to and from Israel but now target any craft. There are fears Jewish sites in the region could be attacked by terrorists after Thursday’s strikes. Mr Sunak ordered UK warplanes to join the US strikes without consulting MPs. But he played down concerns and said he chaired a Cobra and Cabinet meetings while also briefing Keir Starmer and Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey.
Labour leader Mr Starmer said he is “fully supportive” of the action. But he added: “I want the Prime Minister to make a statement as soon as possible.” Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey insisted his party was “minded” to support the action, but believed in the “principle” of parliamentary consultation. Mr Sunak was on a surprise visit to Ukraine yesterday where he met President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The PM, who also pledged £2.5billion of support to Kyiv for the war against Russia, said Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea has put lives at risk, disrupted the global economy and destabilised the region. He added: “It’s clear that type of behaviour can’t carry on.
“We won’t hesitate to protect lives and ensure the safety of commercial shipping. We need to send a strong signal that this breach of international law is wrong. That’s why with allies we decided to take this action.” Four British warplanes hit 60 Houthi military targets, including air defences, after taking off from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
UK Typhoon fighter bombers fired Paveway missiles as US F-18s led the attack. Coalition submarines and warships launched cruise missiles. Despite the airstrikes, another ship was last night attacked, 90 miles of the coast of Aden. The missile fell short and no one was hurt.
The US Navy warned American-flagged vessels to stay out of areas around Yemen in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden for the next 72 hours.
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