In an operation led by the United States, the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom deployed two pairs of Typhoon FGR4 aircraft from the Akrotiri base in Cyprus to conduct strikes against Houthi rebel targets in Yemen.
The strikes carried out with the support of Voyager-type aerial refuelling aircraft, used guided Paveway IV missiles.
The British Ministry of Defence revealed that the targeted areas included buildings in the Banī region of northwest Yemen, a hotspot for Houthi drone launches for reconnaissance and attacks. Additionally, a military airport in the city of Al Hudaydah, a launching point for Cruise missiles and drones towards the Red Sea, was struck.
Describing the attack as a “carefully coordinated” effort to limit Houthi violations of international law in the Red Sea, the British Ministry highlighted the operation’s focus on minimising risks to civilians, leading to the decision to carry it out during the night.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps asserted, “The significance of the threat posed to innocent lives and global trade necessitated this action, fulfilling our duty to safeguard ships and the freedom of navigation.”
Four @RoyalAirForce Typhoons have conducted precision strikes on two Houthi military targets alongside US forces.
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) January 12, 2024
The threat to innocent lives and global trade has become so great that this action was not only necessary, it was our duty to protect vessels & freedom of navigation pic.twitter.com/tbN7ncJYpF
Earlier in the night, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak declared that the continued Houthi attacks “cannot continue.” Emphasising the defence of freedom of navigation and the free flow of trade, Sunak announced a collaborative effort with the United States and non-operational support from the Netherlands, Canada, and Bahrain.
The goal is to degrade Houthi military capabilities and safeguard global shipping through “limited, necessary, and proportionate self-defence action.”
Sunak added that the Royal Navy continues patrols in the Red Sea as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational initiative aimed at deterring Houthi aggression. He called upon the Houthis to halt their attacks and take de-escalatory measures.
The British Prime Minister had informed the Cabinet, opposition leaders, and the Speaker of the House of Commons on Thursday night, following decisions made in meetings of the Cobra committee and the National Security Council.
On Sunday, January 14, people in Cyprus will march towards RAF Akrotiri to protest the use of the island as a launching pad for military operations.
The protest march will take place on Sunday, January 14 at 11 a.m. and it is organised by the Cyprus Peace Council.
(Reuters)
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