US AND UK STRIKES TARGET HOUTHI REBELS IN YEMEN

US and UK naval forces in the Red Sea (with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands) have launched air strikes overnight against Houthi rebel targets (logistical hubs, air defence systems and arms depots) across Yemen. The strikes are in response to repeated attacks by the Iran-backed group on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

A Joint Statement from the governments of United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand and Republic of Korea said:

"Recognising the broad consensus as expressed by 44 countries around the world on December 19, 2023, as well as the statement by the UN Security Council on December 1, 2023, condemning Houthi attacks against merchant and commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea, our governments issued a joint statement on January 3, 2024, which called for the immediate end of illegal attacks and warned that malign actors would be held accountable should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, and the free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways. Despite this strong warning, attacks in the Red Sea have continued, including the launch of numerous missiles and one-way attack aerial vehicles against ships in the Red Sea on January 9, 2024, including U.S. and UK vessels.  On January 10, 2024, the UN Security Council passed UNSCR 2722, which also condemned these attacks and demanded that they cease.

In response to continued illegal, dangerous, and destabilising Houthi attacks against vessels, including commercial shipping, transiting the Red Sea, the armed forces of the United States and United Kingdom, with support from the Netherlands, Canada, Bahrain, and Australia, conducted joint strikes in accordance with the inherent right of individual and collective self-defence, consistent with the UN Charter, against a number of targets in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.  These precision strikes were intended to disrupt and degrade the capabilities the Houthis use to threaten global trade and the lives of international mariners in one of the world’s most critical waterways.

The Houthis’ more than two dozen attacks on commercial vessels since mid-November constitute an international challenge. Today’s action demonstrated a shared commitment to freedom of navigation, international commerce, and defending the lives of mariners from illegal and unjustifiable attacks.

Our aim remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea, but let our message be clear: we will not hesitate to defend lives and ensure the free flow of commerce in one of the world’s most critical waterways in the face of continued threats."

US officials say warship-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles and fighter jets hit more than 12 sites, including in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, and Hudaydah, the Houthi Red Sea port stronghold. Four RAF Typhoon jets flying from Akrotiri in Cyprus conducted air strikes on two Houthi targets using Paveway bombs.

In a statement this morning released by 10 Downing Street, Rishi Sunak said the strikes were a "limited, necessary and proportionate action in self-defence".

A spokesperson for the Houthis said there was no justification for the attacks and that the group will continue targeting ships heading towards Israel. Iran, which supports the Houthis, strongly condemned the attacks. 

Saudi Arabia has called for restraint and "avoiding escalation" in response to events.