UK and US launch fresh strikes against Houthi rebel sites

UK and US launch fresh strikes against Houthi rebel sites

GB News' Mark White gives an update on the Yemen air strikes

GB News
Georgina Cutler

By Georgina Cutler


Published: 23/01/2024

- 07:03

Updated: 23/01/2024

- 08:11

Precision-guided bombs were used to strike multiple targets in Yemen

The UK has launched further air strikes against Yemeni Houthi rebels, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

Joining forces with the US, British aircraft used precision-guided bombs to strike multiple targets against at least eight Houthi-linked locations.


Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said the latest round of strikes were in "self-defence" and would "deal another blow" to the Iranian-backed militants.

According to the US Central Command, the bombing took place shortly before midnight.

UK and US launch fresh strikes against Houthi rebel sitesUK and US launch fresh strikes against Houthi rebel sitesTwitter

It comes after seven rounds of airstrikes on Houthi military sites by the US over recent days.

However, ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden trade routes have continued to be targeted.

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.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

"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."

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that four Royal Air Force Typhoons and a pair of Voyager tankers were involved which saw multiple targets hit at two military sites near the Sanaa airfield in Yemen.

The department said that a "very rigorous analysis" was carried out to avoid civilian casualties.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that four Royal Air Force Typhoons and a pair of Voyager tankers were involved which saw multiple targets hit at two military sites near the Sanaa airfield in Yeme

Reuters

A joint statement issued by Australia, Bahrain, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the US described the strikes as "proportionate and necessary".

The Houthis began attacking vessels in November, saying they were responding to Israel's military ground operation in Gaza.

In retaliation, the US and UK launched a wave of air strikes against dozens of Houthi targets on 11 January.

You may like