UK issues warning to Iran-backed Houthis amid ongoing Red Sea attacks

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warns Iran-backed Houthi rebels in a parliamentary address that Britain would take further military action if they continue their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak delivered a stern warning to Iran-backed Houthi rebels during a parliamentary address, stating that Britain would initiate further military action if the Yemeni rebels persist in their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.

“We are not seeking a confrontation,” Sunak emphasized, addressing parliament just hours after a second round of US-UK strikes. “We urge the Houthis and those who enable them to stop these illegal and unacceptable attacks. But if necessary, the United Kingdom will not hesitate to respond in self-defense. We cannot stand by and allow these attacks to go unchallenged,” he added.

The Royal Air Force executed precision strikes on two military sites north of the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, each strategically chosen to support the Houthis’ maritime attacks, according to Sunak. The Prime Minister informed MPs that the initial evidence suggests the destruction of all intended targets.

Sunak emphasized that the joint military operation with the United States, following similar strikes on Jan 11, aims to degrade the Houthis’ capacity to launch further attacks. He asserted that the strikes were within the limits of international law and underscored that no decision had been made to commence a sustained campaign against the rebel group.

Following the initial strikes, the United States independently conducted air raids targeting missiles deemed an imminent threat to civilian and military vessels. The collaborative efforts between the US and the UK underscore their commitment to addressing the ongoing security concerns in the Red Sea region.

Source: AFP