In reaction to the “reckless actions” of the Houthi rebels in the area, Britain and the US launched targeted attacks against military bases in Yemen last night.
Action was taken after weeks of disruption to international shipping in the Red Sea.
In what they described as a show of support for Palestine and the terrorist organisation Hamas, the rebels had undertaken a number of strikes on Red Sea commercial lines.
The US and UK’s response has infuriated Houthi authorities, who have referred to the strikes as “barbaric”.
The US Air Force said American and British forces struck more than 60 targets in 16 locations.
The MoD said “particular care was taken to minimise any risks to civilians” when planning the strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.
In a chilling threat of further retaliation, high-ranking Houthi official Ali al-Qahoum added: “The battle will be bigger…. and beyond the imagination and expectation of the Americans and the British.”
No 10 held a meeting last night to tell the Cabinet of the preparations.
In a statement released after the bombings, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “In recent months, the Houthi militia have carried out a series of dangerous and destabilising attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea, threatening UK and other international ships, causing major disruption to a vital trade route and driving up commodity prices.
Unusual for the Government, they also informed John Healey, the shadow defence secretary, and Sir Keir Starmer.
“Despite the repeated warnings from the international community, the Houthis have continued to carry out attacks in the Red Sea, including against UK and US warships just this week. This cannot stand. The United Kingdom will always stand up for freedom of navigation and the free flow of trade.
“We have therefore taken limited, necessary and proportionate action in self-defence, alongside the United States with non-operational support from the Netherlands, Canada and Bahrain against targets tied to these attacks, to degrade Houthi military capabilities and protect global shipping.
“The Royal Navy continues to patrol the Red Sea as part of the multinational Operation Prosperity Guardian to deter further Houthi aggression, and we urge them to cease their attacks and take steps to de-escalate.”