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Friday, May 09, 2025
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UK Participates in Joint US Military Action Against Houthi Rebels in Yemen
The British Air Force conducts its first joint operation with the United States against Houthi forces since Donald Trump's presidency began.
Brussels – The British Air Force has initiated a joint military operation with the United States against Houthi rebels in Yemen, marking the first collaboration of its kind since Donald Trump took office.
The operation was announced by UK Defense Secretary John Healey, who stated that the action was a response to a persistent threat from the Houthis that jeopardizes freedom of navigation in critical shipping lanes.
Healey noted the significant decline in shipping through the Red Sea, which has reportedly decreased by 55 percent, causing economic strain amounting to billions and contributing to regional instability affecting families in the UK.
The operation involved airstrikes against Houthi positions in the capital city of Sana'a, which has remained under Houthi control since 2014. Additional attacks targeted areas near Saada, focusing on a cluster of facilities utilized by the Houthis for the manufacturing of drones.
These drones have been implicated in attacks on vessels navigating the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
RAF Typhoon FGR4 jets executed the strikes, deploying precision munitions on the identified targets.
However, the UK authorities did not disclose data on potential casualties or specific damage incurred during the operation.
The US Central Command has not provided an official acknowledgment of the attacks.
The British Ministry of Defence indicated that the strike was carried out after dark to minimize the risk of civilian casualties.
This operation signifies a revival of joint military actions involving the UK and US in Yemen, which have been ongoing under the Biden administration, starting with a campaign against the Iranian-aligned Houthis in January 2024. Nevertheless, this marks the first instance of UK involvement in operations reported during Trump’s administration.
Since March 15, a series of over 800 airstrikes have reportedly been conducted by US forces in Yemen, including a significant strike on a migrant detention facility in Saada on April 28, which led to the reported deaths of 68 individuals, predominantly from Africa.
A previous strike on April 18 at the port of Ras Isa resulted in 74 fatalities and 171 injuries.
The US has reportedly intensified its military engagements against the Houthis with aims to support its allies in the region, particularly Israel, and to counter Iran's influence.
The Houthis represent Tehran’s remaining ally in the region following the diminishing roles of other groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas.
The UK’s decision to participate in this military operation at this time may be strategically linked to anticipated diplomatic negotiations with Iran amid the evolving situation concerning Iran's nuclear program.
The operation was announced by UK Defense Secretary John Healey, who stated that the action was a response to a persistent threat from the Houthis that jeopardizes freedom of navigation in critical shipping lanes.
Healey noted the significant decline in shipping through the Red Sea, which has reportedly decreased by 55 percent, causing economic strain amounting to billions and contributing to regional instability affecting families in the UK.
The operation involved airstrikes against Houthi positions in the capital city of Sana'a, which has remained under Houthi control since 2014. Additional attacks targeted areas near Saada, focusing on a cluster of facilities utilized by the Houthis for the manufacturing of drones.
These drones have been implicated in attacks on vessels navigating the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
RAF Typhoon FGR4 jets executed the strikes, deploying precision munitions on the identified targets.
However, the UK authorities did not disclose data on potential casualties or specific damage incurred during the operation.
The US Central Command has not provided an official acknowledgment of the attacks.
The British Ministry of Defence indicated that the strike was carried out after dark to minimize the risk of civilian casualties.
This operation signifies a revival of joint military actions involving the UK and US in Yemen, which have been ongoing under the Biden administration, starting with a campaign against the Iranian-aligned Houthis in January 2024. Nevertheless, this marks the first instance of UK involvement in operations reported during Trump’s administration.
Since March 15, a series of over 800 airstrikes have reportedly been conducted by US forces in Yemen, including a significant strike on a migrant detention facility in Saada on April 28, which led to the reported deaths of 68 individuals, predominantly from Africa.
A previous strike on April 18 at the port of Ras Isa resulted in 74 fatalities and 171 injuries.
The US has reportedly intensified its military engagements against the Houthis with aims to support its allies in the region, particularly Israel, and to counter Iran's influence.
The Houthis represent Tehran’s remaining ally in the region following the diminishing roles of other groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas.
The UK’s decision to participate in this military operation at this time may be strategically linked to anticipated diplomatic negotiations with Iran amid the evolving situation concerning Iran's nuclear program.
