- Rishi Sunak has authorised a UK-US military response to counter Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
- Escalating tensions result in military alert, evacuations in Hodeidah, and disruptions to international shipping routes.
Rishi Sunak authorised a collaborative military initiative between the UK and the United States to counter the Houthi attacks, as reported by The Times’ political editor earlier this Thursday.
The decision follows the Houthi’s escalated attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, protesting against Israel’s unspeakable monstrosities against Gaza and its indiscriminate and relentless bombing of Palestinian men, women and children- a near genocide as declared by United Nations Rapporteurs. The Houthi strikes were evidently designed to impose economic strain on Israel’s allies, aiming to leverage this pressure to compel a cessation of the bombardment on the enclave. Their actions have served as a catalyst, inspiring others to voice their opposition against Israel through diverse means. Moreover, this has precipitated the suspension of operations by several shipping lines, who currently have to opt for a lengthier journey, circumventing Africa.
Prime Minister Sunak convened a full Cabinet meeting early on Thursday to deliberate upon the unfolding circumstances within the pivotal global shipping route..
Labour leader, Keir Starmer, briefed on the Cabinet meeting, accepted Sunak’s decision for military action without prior parliamentary approval. Sunak, in a discussion with the Egyptian president, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, asserted “Britain has a commitment to defending navigation, freedom and protecting lives at sea”. These developments transpired on Tuesday, as naval forces from the UK and the United States shot down missiles launched by the Houthis- aimed at the southern Red Sea. In addition, drones launched by the group were neutralised.
“The Houthis need to stop these attacks … they will bear the consequences for any failure to do so,” asserted John Kirby, spokesman for White House national security.
Earlier today, the city was on high alert, witnessing an increased presence of Houthi forces and intensified movement of military trucks. Houthi military sites and camps in Hodeidah underwent evacuation early today.
Pictured: RAF Typhoon aircraft leaves the UK to attack Yemen
Pictured: A military helicopter belonging to the Houthis, hovers above the Red Sea, overlooking the Galaxy Leader cargo ship.
Pictured: Explosions near Sanaa airport
According to US officials, the United States and the United Kingdom conducted airstrikes on over a dozen in Yemen.
Fighter jets and navy destroyers have been employing Tomahawk cruise missiles. Additionally, reports suggest the involvement of submarines in the operation.
The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, ‘The best of men are the men of Yemen, belief is Yemeni and I am Yemeni…’ [Ahmad].
