U.K. military launches airstrikes with U.S. targeting Yemen's Houthi rebels
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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The British military launched airstrikes with the United States targeting Yemen's Houthi rebels, officials said early Wednesday, their first attack in Washington's new intense campaign targeting the Iran-backed group.
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The United Kingdom offered a detailed explanation for launching the strike, in a departure from the U.S., which has offered few details about what it says are more than 1,000 targets it has hit since beginning its campaign on March 15.
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Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s took part in the raid, dropping Paveway IV guided bombs, the ministry added.
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'The strike was conducted after dark, when the likelihood of any civilians being in the area was reduced yet further,' the ministry said.
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The British offered no information on the damage done in the strike, nor whether they believed anyone had been killed.
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'This action was taken in response to a persistent threat from the Houthis to freedom of navigation,' U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey said. 'A 55% drop in shipping through the Red Sea has already cost billions, fueling regional instability and risking economic security for families in the U.K.'
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The Houthis reported several strikes around Yemen's capital, Sanaa, which the group has held since 2014. Other strikes hit around Saada.
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The British have taken part in airstrikes alongside the U.S. since the Biden administration began its campaign of strikes targeting the Houthis back in January 2024. However, this new strike is the first to see the British involved in the campaign under U.S. President Donald Trump.
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