British and US forces are preparing to strike an Iranian-backed militant group in Yemen after the Houthi rebels ignored a warning to stop attacking ships in the Red Sea. UK Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, accused Iran of interference and stated that “enough is enough” in a growing crisis that could lead to a wider conflict in the Middle East. There are also concerns about the global economic impact of the disruption to shipping in the Red Sea, as vessels choose to divert, increasing trade costs and potentially causing inflation. In an operation with US naval vessels and jets, a Royal Navy warship shot down seven drones in response to the largest Houthi drone and missile attack to date.
The Houthi rebels have continued to attack ships in the Red Sea, despite warnings from the United States, the UK, and other countries to cease targeting commercial shipping. When asked if military action against the Houthis was now inevitable, Shapps responded, “I can’t go into details, but I can say that the joint statement we issued outlined a clear path that, if the attacks don’t stop, action will be taken. So, watch this space.” Shapps also strongly criticized Iran, accusing them of arming the Houthis and providing surveillance support for the attacks.
In response to whether the UK and its allies were willing to attack Iran directly, Shapps stated that their concern is focused on the Houthis, who are based in Yemen and carry out attacks from there. He called on the Houthis to stop and emphasized that it must happen. The Houthis began attacking shipping linked to Israel in the Red Sea in November as a protest against Israel’s war in Gaza. A Houthi spokesperson claimed responsibility for the latest missile and drone strike, stating that their mission will continue until the aggression stops and the siege on Gaza ends.
US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, reiterated the message to the Houthis, stating that 20 countries have made it clear that there will be consequences if the attacks continue. On Tuesday night, US and British forces shot down 18 attack drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles, and one anti-ship ballistic missile fired by the Houthis. This was the 26th Houthi attack on commercial shipping since November 19.
HMS Diamond, a Royal Navy warship, successfully repelled the largest Houthi attack in the Red Sea to date, along with US warships. The UK and its allies have made it clear that these attacks are unacceptable, and the consequences will be borne by the Houthis if they continue. The UK will take necessary action to protect innocent lives and the global economy.
The Houthi attacks are reportedly aimed at ending the air and ground offensive on the Gaza Strip following the October 7 attacks by Hamas. A US-led coalition has been patrolling the Red Sea to prevent these attacks. The attack occurred just before a United Nations Security Council vote to potentially condemn and demand an immediate halt to the rebel attacks on merchant and commercial vessels.