The United Kingdom has conducted its first direct airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen since US President Donald Trump returned to the White House, marking a significant escalation in British military involvement in the Red Sea crisis.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon jets, operating in coordination with the United States military, struck a “cluster of buildings” believed to be used by the Iran-backed Houthi group to produce attack drones. The strike was reportedly launched late Monday night, approximately 15 miles south of the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.
“These strikes were necessary, proportionate, and precisely targeted,” said Defence Secretary John Healy in a statement to the House of Commons. “All UK personnel and aircraft returned safely to base after what we assess to be a successful mission.”
According to the MoD, precision-guided bombs were used following extensive surveillance and planning. The timing of the strike, executed during nighttime hours, was designed to minimize the risk to civilians. Healy added that “initial assessments show the targets were successfully hit,” and emphasized there is currently “no evidence of civilian casualties.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, addressing Parliament on Wednesday, praised the “professionalism and bravery” of British service personnel involved in the operation. He framed the strike as a defensive action to protect vital shipping lanes, which have been under persistent threat since November 2023.
“A 55% drop in shipping through the Red Sea has already cost billions,” Starmer said. “This affects not only global trade but the economic security of families here in the UK.”
Since late 2023, the Houthi movement, which controls significant territory in northern Yemen, has launched dozens of missile, drone, and small boat attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The group claims the attacks are in retaliation for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and assert they only target vessels with links to Israel, the US, or the UK—claims that have often proven inaccurate.
According to the US military, Houthi strikes have sunk two ships, seized one, and caused the deaths of four crew members. The resulting disruption to global trade has led to rerouted shipping traffic and increased transportation costs, with implications for energy prices and supply chains worldwide.
The UK’s decision to rejoin offensive operations comes amid renewed transatlantic coordination following Trump’s return to the White House. In March, Trump ordered an intensification of the US-led bombing campaign against Houthi targets and deployed two aircraft carriers to the region.
While British tanker aircraft have previously supported the campaign by refuelling US planes, this week’s strikes represent a notable shift in the UK’s operational engagement under the Labour government.
Houthi leaders swiftly condemned the attack, warning of retaliation. In a statement broadcast by Houthi-run Al Masirah TV, the group said the UK should “anticipate the consequences of its aggression.” The Houthis also reaffirmed their opposition to the “trio of evil”—the US, UK, and Israel—vowing to continue their resistance regardless of the challenges.
In recent weeks, US airstrikes have reportedly killed hundreds of Houthi fighters, including key figures in the group’s drone and missile operations. However, Houthi authorities claim dozens of civilians have also been killed in the strikes.
On Monday, Houthi media alleged that a US airstrike on a detention centre in northwestern Yemen killed at least 68 African migrants. The claim has not been independently verified, but video footage from the scene shows first responders retrieving several bodies.
Amid the growing coalition effort, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has publicly criticized European nations for their limited military contributions.
In a leaked message from a private Signal group, Hegseth reportedly referred to European allies as “freeloaders” and called their response to the Houthi threat “pathetic.”
The UK’s involvement may now signal a broader shift in Europe’s role in countering Houthi aggression. For the Starmer government, the strikes serve both as a commitment to international maritime security and a message of alignment with Washington amid mounting regional instability.
Despite the military action, analysts caution that airstrikes alone may not neutralize the Houthi threat, especially as the group maintains strong domestic control and support from Iran. Further escalation could also deepen humanitarian challenges in Yemen, where the conflict has already left millions displaced and in need of aid.
As the situation develops, the UK is expected to face increased scrutiny over its involvement and the potential consequences of renewed military action in a volatile region.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members