UK Makes First Move Under New Government: Joins U.S. in Houthi Strikes

The United Kingdom The Air Force took part for the first time in this campaign during a recent U.S. operation earlier this week aimed at the Houthis in Yemen .

The Royal Air Force Typhoons launched Paveway IV precision-guided munitions against "a group of structures" utilized by the Houthis for constructing drones aimed at attacking vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.

Whenever possible, this administration will prioritize the safety and stability of both our nation’s well-being and economy," stated Secretary of State for Defense John Healey. "Our RAF Typhoon jets carried out successful operations targeting a Houthi military site within Yemen, after which every British plane and crew member has been safely brought back home. These missions were executed with assistance from the United States; they aimed at weakening the Houthi forces’ operational capacity as well as stopping potential threats to international maritime traffic involving UK vessels.

The ministry stated that the mission "took place after nightfall" to minimize the "chance of encountering any civilians," and all UK aircraft made it back safely.

The Iran-supported Houthis commenced attacks involving drones and missiles against ships navigating the waters near Yemen’s coastline as a show of support for Palestinians impacted by the Israel-Hamas conflict that erupted in October 2023. These actions have caused significant disruptions to international maritime traffic and have also targeted U.S. naval units in the region.

The U.S. and the U.K. initiated numerous rounds of attacks against the Houthis across several months throughout the previous year.

In mid-March, the U.S. launched a renewed and intensified effort called Operation Rough Rider against the Houthis. This past week marked the first instance where the UK took part in direct attacks alongside the Starmer administration and the previous Trump administration. The last time the UK conducted such direct assaults on the Houthis was when Rishi Sunak was serving as Prime Minister.

"The U.K. has consistently offered aerial refueling support to assist with the defense of U.S. forces conducting operations in the area," said a spokesperson for the Ministry when speaking to the Washington Examiner.

U.S. military authorities stated on Sunday that American troops had carried out "more than 800 attacks," resulting in the deaths of "several hundred Houthi combatants along with many Houthi leadership figures." They added that these operations dismantled several command centers, air defenses, and additional infrastructure. Furthermore, they mentioned that the raids halted the Ras Isa Port from receiving fuel shipments.

CENTCOM EXAMINES CLAIMS THAT STRIKES IN YEMEN RESULTED IN DEATHS OF MANY MIGRANTS

Every day and night, CENTCOM is carrying out attacks against various positions held by Iranian-supported Houthis within Yemen. These continuous and forceful missions aim at reinstating free passage for maritime traffic and reinforcing America’s deterrent stance," stated an official from the U.S. Department of Defense to the Washington Examiner. "Targeted sites inside areas governed by the Houthis in Yemen have been struck by the U.S., leading to the destruction of command centers, arms production hubs, and depots storing sophisticated weaponry. Reports confirm that numerous Houthi commanders were killed as well.

A recent reported U.S. attack supposedly targeted a migrant detention facility, resulting in an alleged death toll of 68 individuals and injuries to almost 50 more. A defense official informed the Washington Examiner, "We are presently carrying out our damage evaluation and investigation into these allegations."