Brit bases on high alert for backlash after fresh RAF bombing of Houthi rebels
The RAF’s second bombing blitz on Houthi rebels was self-defence, Rishi Sunak said on Tuesday as British bases were put on high alert for a backlash.
Four UK Typhoons joined US forces to smash targets in Yemen on Monday night after attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden continued. Prime Minister Mr Sunak vowed Britain would not hesitate to launch further air strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis unless they stopped.
Mr Sunak said: “We are not seeking a confrontation. We urge the Houthis and those who enable them to stop these illegal and unacceptable attacks. But, if necessary, the United Kingdom will not hesitate to respond again in self-defence. We cannot stand by and allow these attacks to go unchallenged. Inaction is also a choice.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak making a statement to MPs in the House of Commons (PA)Sources said Western bases in places such as Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East are under increased risk of Tehran-sponsored retaliation. One said: “Iranian groups in Iraq have increasingly launched attacks on US and UK targets and there is a risk of this elsewhere in the region.”
The RAF Typhoons and two Voyager tankers were involved in the latest action, refuelling the attack craft mid-air during the 3,200-mile round trip.
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Two military sites north of Yemen’s capital Sanaa were hit in the attacks launched from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. All intended targets were destroyed, said Mr Sunak.
The Houthis have been targeting shipping they claim is linked to Israel and the conflict with Hamas. The latest air strikes – which follow the first joint blitz on January 11 – appear to have done little to deter them, with reports of drone activity in the region on Tuesday.
Mr Sunak told MPs the military action against the Houthis was just one part of a strategy which includes disrupting supplies of arms, sanctions and talks with regional powers.
Keir Starmer said Labour backed the “targeted action to reinforce maritime security in the Red Sea”. He told MPs: “The Houthi attacks must stop. They are designed to destabilise us so we must stand united and strong. They bring danger to ordinary civilians who are working hard at sea, so we must protect them. And they aim to disrupt the flow of goods, food and medicines, so we must not let them go unaddressed.”
MPs will get the chance to debate the situation on Wednesday. The PM’s official spokesman said: “It’s important that parliamentarians are able to have their say but we are acting in line with precedence. The powers to make a decision on this action rests with the Prime Minister.”
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