Rishi Sunak has declared the UK’s actions against Houthi sites in Yemen as self-defense. This comes in response to targeted strikes by the UK and US on military facilities, prompted by the Houthi armed group’s attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
Emphasizing the necessity of the move, Sunak stated that the strikes were “necessary, proportionate, and targeted” with the aim of safeguarding lives and commercial shipping. In retaliation, Houthi officials issued a warning, stating that the UK and US would “pay a heavy price.”
These US-led strikes mark the first against the Houthi militia since it began targeting international shipping last year. Controlling a significant part of Yemen, the Houthi movement claims to support Hamas by targeting ships bound for Israel.
The US Air Force reported hitting over 60 targets across 16 locations used by the Houthis in Yemen. While in Ukraine, the prime minister, addressing the situation, affirmed that the UK “acted in self-defense” due to the Houthis’ ship targeting, urging the group to cease such attacks.
“We’ve seen a significant increase in in the number of Houthi attacks… that’s putting innocent lives at risk. It’s disrupting the global economy, and it’s also destabilising the region,” Mr Sunak said.
“And it’s why I made the decision with allies to take what I believe to be necessary, proportionate and targeted action against military targets, to degrade and disrupt Houthi capability.”
He said: “It’s clear that this type of behaviour can’t be met without a response, we need to send a strong signal that this breach of international law is wrong.”
Initial assessments suggest the strikes have been successful, according to Sunak. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) reported that Royal Air Force typhoons conducted two precision strikes on Houthi sites, including an airfield for launching drones and missiles over the Red Sea, and another site used for launching attack drones.
