Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and President Biden green-light daring airstrikes to safeguard global trade

In a bold move echoing their commitment to maritime security, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden jointly authorized a series of airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The retaliatory measures were prompted by a recent surge in Houthi-led attacks on international ships in the Red Sea.

Late on Thursday, an Emergency Cabinet meeting convened by Prime Minister Sunak paved the way for a formidable coalition of US and UK forces to launch a barrage of strikes on more than a dozen locations connected to the Iranian-backed rebels. The military action marked the first direct response to the Houthis’ aggressive targeting of shipping lanes since mid-November last year.

The strikes, involving warship-launched Tomahawk missiles, fighter jets, and RAF Typhoon aircraft, targeted key Houthi strongholds, including the port city of Hodeidah and the capital, Sanaa. The offensive sought to disrupt and degrade the militants’ persistent threat to global trade, particularly following a series of drone and missile attacks on cargo ships in the region.

President Biden, emphasizing the significance of the operation, warned of potential further strikes to ensure the unimpeded flow of commerce. The international community rallied behind the US-UK initiative, with Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands expressing their support for the joint airstrikes.

Meanwhile, a Houthi official issued a stern warning, claiming that the US and UK would “pay a heavy price” for what they deemed as “blatant aggression.” Prime Minister Sunak, undeterred, asserted the UK’s unwavering commitment to freedom of navigation, stating that the nation would always stand up against any threat to maritime security.

In a parallel incident, masked gunmen, clad in military uniforms, seized the St Nikolas, a Greek-owned tanker carrying a substantial cargo of crude oil. This daring act further underscored the escalating tensions in the region, prompting the international community to bolster efforts in safeguarding vital trade routes.

The Ministry of Defence disclosed that the RAF’s precision strikes, supported by a Voyager air refuelling tanker, utilized Paveway IV guided bombs to neutralize two Houthi facilities. The operation showcased the military prowess of the coalition and their determination to safeguard the interests of nations reliant on secure maritime trade routes.

As the dust settles over Yemen, the joint US-UK airstrikes send a powerful message: any threat to global commerce will be met with resolute action. The international community watches closely as the aftermath unfolds, hopeful for a reestablishment of stability in the strategically crucial Red Sea region.