In the latest dramatic twist, the US military has unleashed a fresh airstrike on Houthi rebels in Yemen, targeting a cache of anti-ship ballistic missiles. This move comes on the heels of the Iranian-backed fighters’ audacious attacks on ships in the Red Sea, prompting a relentless response from the UK and the US.

Following a series of precision strikes on numerous military targets in Yemen last week, the infuriated Houthi rebels have sworn to unleash “unimaginable” revenge. The tension escalated on Tuesday when a missile from Yemen struck a Greek-owned cargo ship in the Red Sea, just 100 nautical miles northwest of Saleef, according to the UK’s Marine Trade Operations (UKMTO). The Malta-flagged vessel’s cargo hold was hit by the rocket, as confirmed by British maritime security firm Ambrey. Remarkably, the ship, moving northbound at the time, managed to reach port without reported injuries.

As authorities investigate this alarming incident, vessels are cautioned to navigate the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden with utmost care and report any suspicious activity. This attack closely follows the Houthi rebels’ three-rocket assault on a US-owned cargo ship on Monday, where one missile struck the vessel’s port side from above.

In response to these provocations, Chancellor Rishi Sunak issued a stern warning, declaring that Britain would not hesitate to launch more strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis. The PM emphasised that the threats to shipping must cease, and illegally detained vessels and crews must be released. Sunak asserted that Britain is ready to back words with actions, highlighting the destruction of all planned targets in the previous strikes with no reports of civilian casualties.

The prospect of further strikes is on the table, with both the Defence Secretary and the Foreign Secretary acknowledging the need for a watchful eye on the situation. Grant Shapps clarified that last week’s strikes aimed to send a clear message to the Houthis to halt their assaults, emphasising the importance of international shipping and freedom of navigation. As tensions escalate, the world watches closely, with the potential for more explosive developments on the horizon.