US and UK launch strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen
US and UK forces have carried out air strikes against Houthi rebel targets in Yemen. Strikes are reported in the capital Sanaa, the Houthi Red Sea port of Hudaydah, Dhamar and north-western Houthi stronghold of Saada
President Biden says the strikes are in response to attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis on ships in the Red Sea since November and that the Netherlands, Australia, Canada and Bahrain provided support as part of the mission.
PM Rishi Sunak said that Royal Air Force warplanes helped carry out “targeted strikes” against military facilities and added that the strikes are “limited, necessary and proportionate action in self-defence”
The Houthis control much of Yemen and say they are supporting ally Hamas by targeting shipping headed to Israel. Houthi deputy foreign minister warned that the US and UK will “pay a heavy price” for this “blatant aggression”
(BBC)
