British planes joined US forces in a military operation against Houthi targets in Yemen on Tuesday, the Ministry of Defence has said.
The strike was conducted after dark, when the likelihood of any civilians being in the area was reduced, a statement said, adding that its aircraft returned safely.
The strikes were conducted by Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s, which used Paveway IV precision guided bombs on a cluster of buildings used by the Houthis to manufacture drones of the type used in attacks on ships.
Defence Secretary John Healey: “We conducted these strikes, supported by the US, to degrade Houthi capabilities and prevent further attacks against UK and International shipping.”
He added that the Houthis’ activities in the Red Sea were a “persistent threat” to “freedom of navigation”.
“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 said.
“The 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.”
Tuesday’s operation was in line with Britain’s long-standing policy in response to Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
Since November 2023, the Houthis – an Iran-backed rebel group – have attacked ships in the region’s waterways that they say are either linked to Israel or heading to Israeli ports.
The Houthis claim their actions are in response to Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza – an assertion dismissed by the UK and allies.
Earlier this week Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Oman and Qatar, where he was expected to discuss regional issues including US-Iran talks, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and Houthi rebels’ threats to shipping in the Red Sea.
Earlier this year US plans for an attack on Yemen were leaked after senior Trump officials shared details on a group chat that included a journalist.
In April reports emerged of a second chat that included Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, his wife, his brother and a Fox News employee.
Despite concerns raised after the first leak, armed forces minister Luke Pollard told the Commons Defence Committee in March that the UK still had “high confidence” its operational security measures “remain intact”.
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