UK Joins US in Airstrikes Against Houthis in Yemen
London characterized the targeted location as “a cluster of buildings, utilized by the terrorists for drone manufacturing.”
The British Royal Air Force, in coordination with the United States, launched airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthis, as reported by British officials on April 30.
This marks the UK’s inaugural participation in the United States’ heightened campaign aimed at the Iranian-backed terrorist organization.
The initiative, termed “Operation Rough Rider,” focuses on countering the terrorists while the Trump administration engages in negotiations with their primary supporter, Iran, concerning Tehran’s ongoing nuclear endeavors.
The UK’s Ministry of Defence described the targeted site as “a cluster of buildings, used by the terrorists to manufacture drones of the type deployed against vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, located approximately 15 miles south of Sanaa.”
“The strike was executed after nightfall, further reducing the chances of civilian presence in the area.”
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No details regarding the damage caused by the strike or the estimated casualty figures were provided.
U.S. Central Command has not yet acknowledged the attack.
“This action was a response to a consistent threat posed by the Houthis to freedom of navigation.
“A 55 percent decline in shipping via the Red Sea has already resulted in billions in losses, contributing to regional instability and jeopardizing economic security for families in the UK.
“The Government remains resolute in our commitment to enhance global stability and safeguard British workers.”
The aircraft carrier and its escort vessels are engaged in exercises in the Mediterranean before proceeding to the Indo-Pacific.
The British have joined airstrikes with the United States since the Biden administration commenced its campaign against the Houthis in January 2024.
The U.S. military has indicated that it is currently investigating the incident.
As of April 27, U.S. Central Command reported that the military has targeted over 800 locations in their ongoing strikes against Houthi terrorists.
The United States is executing its strikes in Yemen from two aircraft carriers off the coast—the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea and the USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Sea.
The strikes target the Houthis in response to their assaults on shipping in the Red Sea, a vital global trade artery, and their actions against Israel.
Yemen’s government is concurrently fighting against the Houthis, who have gained control over parts of Yemen in recent years. Located just south of Saudi Arabia, Yemen is bordered by the Gulf of Aden and has a population of approximately 39 million.
The Houthis, allied with Hamas in Gaza, have declared that they target vessels associated with Israel.
Iran has provided drones and drone technology to its allies within the so-called Axis of Resistance, which comprises the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Both groups have utilized drones against Israel, though the Houthis have primarily focused on attacking shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandab Strait.
