Britain Prepares to Strike Houthi Following Attacks on Ships
British jets are reportedly gearing up to launch a series of air strikes against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in the wake of recent attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
Britain plans to coordinate with Western allies, including the United States and possibly another European nation, to execute targeted missile strikes.
The potential targets include locations in the Red Sea or mainland Yemen, the base of the Houthi rebels.
The decision follows a warning from Grant Shapps, the UK Defence Secretary. On Sunday, Shapps stated, “If the Houthis continue to threaten lives and trade, we will be forced to take the necessary and appropriate action.”
The gravity of the situation is underscored by the planned release of an unprecedented joint statement by the UK and US, warning the Houthis against continued aggression towards commercial vessels.
The Houthi rebels have been actively targeting vessels in the Red Sea, a strategic maritime route. These actions are interpreted as demonstrations of support for Hamas in its conflict with Israel in Gaza.
The repercussions of these attacks have been far-reaching, many shipping companies have resorted to the longer, more expensive route around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope instead of passing through the Suez Canal.
