Britain and America have issued a warning to Houthi rebels, stating that they will strike Yemen again if necessary. Rishi Sunak and Joe Biden held urgent talks to discuss further action against the terrorists who are causing havoc in the vital Red Sea shipping lanes.
Joint Efforts to Protect Shipping
The Royal Air Force (RAF) carried out airstrikes in Yemen earlier this month, targeting Houthi rebels who are believed to be preparing to attack Western forces in the Red Sea. During a call with the White House, the UK Prime Minister and the US President praised the British and American personnel who are collaborating closely to ensure freedom of navigation and protect lives in the region.
No10 stated that the leaders condemned the recent surge in violent Houthi attacks on commercial ships passing through the area. They pledged to continue working with international partners to deter and disrupt these attacks. The multinational Operation Prosperity Guardian is being utilized, along with diplomatic pressure on Iran to halt its support for Houthi activities. Targeted military action will also be considered to degrade Houthi capabilities when necessary.
Previous Strikes and Ongoing Concerns
In a joint operation carried out by the US and UK, more than 60 targets across 16 sites in Yemen were struck ten days ago. The attacks, which involved jets, warships, and submarines, targeted areas including the capital Sanaa, Sadah, Hodeidah, Taiz, and Dhamar. Command and control centers, munition stores, launching bases, production facilities, and air defense radar systems were destroyed in the operation, with over 100 precision-guided munitions used in the bombing of the capital.
The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that four RAF Typhoon FGR4s, supported by a Voyager tanker, used Paveway IV guided bombs to carry out strikes on two Houthi facilities. US intelligence has recently revealed that the Iranian-backed militants are attempting to acquire more weapons, raising concerns about further escalation of attacks on Western forces in the Red Sea.
Implications and Response
There are growing worries that the Houthi rebels will receive even more deadly weapons from Tehran in the coming weeks. Earlier this month, it was warned that the attacks on Red Sea shipping could lead to an increase in petrol prices. Rishi Sunak's spokesman emphasized that the UK is committed to holding those responsible for unlawful seizures and attacks accountable. The situation in the Red Sea is seen as serious and destabilizing.
The Houthi rebels claim that their attacks are in support of Palestinians, but their actions are drawing both the UK and US further into the conflict in the Middle East.
