UK and US militaries launch fresh airstrikes on Houthi missile sites in Yemen
US and British militaries have conducted joint airstrikes targeting Houthi missile sites in Yemen for second time this month.
The two allies conducted coordinated retaliatory strikes on an array of the rebels' missile-launching capabilities, several US officials said. According to officials, the US and UK used warship-and submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets to take out Houthi missile storage sites and launchers. Sources said several locations around Sana'a have been targeted.
Airstrikes happened at around 9.15pm UK time, it is understood. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing mission. The joint operation comes about 10 days after US and British warships and fighter jets struck more than 60 targets in 28 locations. That what was the first US military response to what has been a persistent campaign of Houthi drone and missile attacks on commercial ships since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October.
The Mirror understands British officials are becoming increasingly concerned about the UK being drawn into a wider conflict in the Middle East. Houthi shipping attacks are, though, creating a blockade which risks massively affecting prices and inflation in the west. UK Typhoons have been used in the retaliatory airstrikes.
Rishi Sunak, the prime minister, and US President Joe Biden have spoken on the phone about ongoing attacks against naval and merchant vessels, the White House said. They also discussed trying to secure the release of hostages still being held in Gaza by Hamas, the US said.
Israel cargo ship ‘hijacked by Iran-backed militia’ in Red Sea with 52 on board
But it is understood that Sir Keir Starmer did not receive a briefing ahead of the latest set of strikes against the Houthis by the US and UK. The Labour leader and shadow defence secretary John Healey were briefed about the military operation on January 11.
The Houthis - a militia group backed by Iran - have been attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war back in October. Last night the British and American militaries bombed multiple sites in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, killing at least five fighters.
A Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 taking off to carry out Air Strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen (MOD/AFP via Getty Images)Speaking regarding today's airstrikes, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "On 22 January, the UK conducted further strikes against Houthi targets. Four Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s, supported by a pair of Voyager tankers, joined US forces in a deliberate strike against Houthi sites in Yemen.
"Our aircraft used Paveway IV precision guided bombs to strike multiple targets at two military sites in the vicinity of Sanaa airfield. These locations were being used to enable the continued intolerable attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea. This follows our initial operation on 11 January, and subsequent US action, to degrade the Houthis’ capability to conduct such attacks."
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: "Dangerous Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea have continued to threaten the lives of sailors and disrupt shipping at an intolerable cost to the global economy. Along with our US partners, we have conducted a further round of strikes in self-defence. Aimed at degrading Houthi capabilities, this action will deal another blow to their limited stockpiles and ability to threaten global trade. Alongside our ongoing diplomatic efforts, we will continue to support regional stability across the Middle East, working hand in hand with our like-minded partners."
In line with UK standard practice, a very rigorous analysis was applied in planning the strikes to minimise any risk of civilian casualties, and as with the previous strikes, our aircraft bombed at night to mitigate yet further any such risks.
It remains unclear how extensive the damage was last week, although the Houthis said at least five sites, including airfields, had been attacked. The Ministry of Defence described its strikes hitting a site in Bani allegedly used by the Houthis to launch drones and an airfield in Abbs used to launch cruise missiles and drones.
Houthi leaders have vowed revenge for the attacks, with Foreign Ministry official Hussein al-Ezzi warning: "America and Britain will undoubtedly have to prepare to pay a heavy price and bear all the dire consequences of this blatant aggression." The group's military spokesman also said that the Houthis would continue to block the passage of ships in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea.
Armed Forces Minister James Heappey last week said that there are no more strikes or military actions planned for the moment and that the government was aware of the need to avoid escalation in the region.
The Houthis are an Iran-backed sworn enemy of Israel and they are reacting to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Attacks have escalated in recent weeks and are having a devastating result on international maritime trade. The Mirror has contacted Ministry of Defence.
US warship and multiple commercial ships attacked in Red Sea
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