UK and US Strikes on Yemen Houthis Not an Escalation, says Grant Shapps
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has stated that the recent strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen are not an escalation of the conflict. The UK and US launched joint attacks on more than 30 targets in the third wave of strikes against the Iran-backed group. Shapps emphasized that the strikes were aimed at protecting innocent lives and preserving freedom of navigation.
Background on the Strikes
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that three sites in Yemen were hit by RAF Typhoon jets in the recent round of strikes. In total, 36 Houthi targets across 13 locations were targeted by a coalition of eight countries, including the UK and US. The strikes were a response to continued attacks on ships in the Red Sea, with the Houthis specifically targeting vessels linked to Israel and the West.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the attacks on UK and international vessels as unacceptable, stating that it is their duty to protect innocent lives and preserve freedom. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the strikes were not an escalation of hostilities but rather a measure to protect innocent lives and freedom of navigation. He expressed confidence that the strikes had further degraded the capabilities of the Houthis.
Details of the Strikes
RAF Typhoon FGR4s flying from RAF Akrotiri military base in Cyprus were responsible for hitting three targets, including stations believed to control Houthi drones. The Ministry of Defence stated that the strikes were carefully planned to minimize the risk of civilian casualties. The joint strikes by the UK and US were supported by forces from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.
The countries involved in the strikes targeted deeply buried weapons storage facilities, missile systems and launchers, air defense systems, and radars. The intention was to disable the Houthis' capabilities and send a message against their continued attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
International Response and Calls for Accountability
Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron condemned the Houthi attacks and stated that they must stop. He emphasized that the joint strikes by the UK and US came after repeated warnings to the Houthi rebel group. The US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, also sent a message to the Houthis that further consequences will follow if their attacks in the Red Sea do not cease.
Following days of action against Iran-backed groups by the UK and US, Lord Cameron called for Iran to be held accountable for its proxies. He stated that Iran needs to understand that their support for these groups is unacceptable. The UK has conveyed this message to Iran's foreign minister, emphasizing that Iran will ultimately be held accountable for the actions of its proxies.
