British Forces Join U.S. in Airstrikes Against Houthi Targets in Yemen

Royal Air Force aircraft participated alongside U.S. troops in a military operation targeting Houthi positions in Yemen on Tuesday, according to the Ministry of Defence.

The operation took place after nightfall, when the chance of encountering civilians in the region had decreased, as stated in an official announcement. It further noted that their planes landed back safely.

The operations were carried out using Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 aircraft equipped with Paveway IV precision-guided bombs. These struck a group of structures utilized by the Houthis for manufacturing drones similar to those employed in assaults on vessels.

Defence Secretary John Healey stated: "In collaboration with the U.S., we carried out these airstrikes to diminish the capabilities of the Houthis and stop additional assaults on ships from the UK and other countries."

He stated that the Houthis' actions in the Red Sea posed a "continuous danger" to "navigation freedom".

"A 55% reduction in shipping through the Red Sea has already resulted in losses of billions, exacerbating regional unrest and threatening economic stability for households in the UK," he stated.

The government remains committed to enhancing worldwide stability and safeguarding British workers. I am impressed by the dedication and professionalism exhibited by the servicemen and women participating in this mission.

The operation carried out on Tuesday adhered to Britain's longstanding approach to addressing Houthi assaults on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Starting from November 2023, the Houthis—a rebel faction supported by Iran—have been attacking vessels in the area’s waterways. They claim these ships are connected to Israel or en route to Israeli harbors.

The Houthis assert that their operations are a reaction to Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza—a stance rejected by the UK and its partners.

Earlier this week, Foreign Secretary David Lammy traveled to Oman and Qatar with plans to address various regional matters such as the discussions surrounding US-Iran relations, the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, and the dangers posed by Houthi rebels threatening maritime traffic in the Red Sea.

Early this year, the U.S. had intentions of launching an assault on Yemen. were disclosed after high-ranking Trump staffers revealed information in a group chat that also had a journalist.

In April reports emerged In another conversation involving Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, his spouse, his sibling, and an individual from Fox News.

Even though worries were sparked following the initial breach, Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard stated in March before the Commons Defence Committee that the UK continued to have "strong faith" in the integrity of its operational security protocols.