British forces have successfully carried out targeted airstrikes against a Houthi military installation in Yemen, the Ministry of Defence confirmed on Tuesday evening. The operation, conducted in coordination with US forces, is the latest response to the Iran-backed Houthis’ sustained campaign of attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that the Royal Air Force deployed Typhoon FGR4 aircraft, armed with Paveway IV precision-guided bombs, to strike a cluster of buildings used by the Houthis to assemble drones. These unmanned aerial systems are believed to have been employed in previous assaults on international maritime traffic.
The MoD emphasised that meticulous planning had gone into the mission, with efforts focused on minimising the risk to civilians and non-military infrastructure. The strikes reportedly hit their intended targets with accuracy, without collateral damage to surrounding areas.
Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that all UK personnel and aircraft returned to base safely following the mission. “This government will always act in the interests of our national and economic security,” he said in a statement following the operation.
“Royal Air Force Typhoons have successfully conducted strikes against a Houthi military target in Yemen and all UK aircraft and personnel have returned safely to base. We conducted these strikes, supported by the US, to degrade Houthi capabilities and prevent further attacks against UK and international shipping.”
Healey described the Houthis’ campaign as a “persistent threat” to global freedom of navigation, noting the severe economic repercussions already felt as a result of their actions. “A 55% drop in shipping through the Red Sea has already cost billions, fuelling regional instability and risking economic security for families in the UK,” he warned.
“This Government is steadfast in our commitment to reinforcing global stability and protecting British working people. I am proud of the dedication and professionalism shown by the service men and women involved in this operation,” Healey added.
The Red Sea, a critical artery for global trade, has seen a sharp decline in traffic over recent months due to the threat posed by Houthi drone and missile attacks. The resulting disruption to shipping routes has contributed to inflationary pressures and supply chain difficulties worldwide.
While the Houthis claim that their campaign is a direct response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza, the UK and its allies have dismissed these assertions as a smokescreen for broader regional destabilisation. Western governments contend that the attacks are part of a wider pattern of Iranian-backed interference in the region’s maritime trade.
This latest strike comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with the UK continuing its efforts to maintain security in international waters. Royal Navy assets have been operating in the region as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational task force designed to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels.
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Tuesday’s mission marks a significant escalation in Britain’s military involvement in countering the Houthi threat, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding maritime interests and deterring further aggression. It follows similar strikes earlier this year, which also targeted drone manufacturing and missile launch facilities.
The Government has reiterated that any military action is taken with great care and only as a last resort, aimed squarely at reducing the threat to shipping and preventing broader conflict escalation.
As tensions persist, the UK is expected to remain closely engaged with allies in the region, including the United States and European partners, to address the threat posed by Houthi forces and ensure the protection of international trade routes.
Further developments are likely to depend on the group’s response in the days ahead, as well as ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring greater stability to the region.
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