'We will not hesitate to strike again': UK vows to protect Red Sea as allies issue joint statement after Yemen strikes
12 January 2024, 06:54 | Updated: 12 January 2024, 08:05
The UK and its allies have vowed to "defend lives" and "ensure the free flow of commerce" in the Red Sea after a series of strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen were carried out overnight.
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Speaking after 60 targets were hit across 16 locations in Yemen were hit overnight, the UK, the US, and eight other governments said the strikes were carried out "to disrupt and degrade the capabilities the Houthis use to threaten global trade".
Vessels in the Red Sea have faced a series of attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in recent months, which have threatened to disrupt global trade.
The Red Sea is vital to the free flow of goods global, with vessels traveling between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea every year, shortening the journey between Asia and Europe by nearly half.
The Houthis' deputy foreign minister has since warned that the US and UK will "pay a heavy price" for this "blatant aggression".
In their statement, the allies said there had been "illegal, dangerous, and destabilising Houthi attacks against vessels, including commercial shipping, transiting the Red Sea".
The governments of Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom, and the United States said: "The Houthis’ more than two dozen attacks on commercial vessels since mid-November constitute an international challenge.
"Today’s action demonstrated a shared commitment to freedom of navigation, international commerce, and defending the lives of mariners from illegal and unjustifiable attacks.
"Our aim remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea, but let our message be clear: we will not hesitate to defend lives and ensure the free flow of commerce in one of the world’s most critical waterways in the face of continued threats."
Read it in full: Rishi Sunak's statement on 'targeted strikes' in Yemen
In his own statement, the US President Joe Biden said he would not hesistate to authorise more military action against the Houthis.
"These targeted strikes are a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical commercial routes," Mr Biden said.
"I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary."
Around 60 targets across 16 locations in Yemen were hit overnight, a senior US Air Force commander has said.
‘‘Over 100 precision-guided munitions of various types were used in the strikes,’’ according to Lieutenant General Alex Grynkewich.
‘‘These strikes were comprised of coalition air and maritime strike and support assets from across the region.’’
He added: ‘‘We remain committed to our critical partners throughout the Middle East to defend against Iranian-backed Militia Groups, including Houthi militants, and the threat they pose to regional security and stability.”
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said coalition forces identified key facilities involved in Houthi targeting of HMS Diamond and US Navy vessels on Tuesday "and agreed to conduct a carefully coordinated strike to reduce the Houthis' capability to violate international law in this manner".
"Particular care was taken to minimise any risks to civilians," the MoD added.
It is the first time strikes have been launched against the Iran-backed group since it started targeting international shipping in the Red Sea late last year.
Rishi Sunak confirmed the strikes on Friday morning, saying in a statement that the UK will "always stand up for freedom of navigation and the free flow of trade".
