RAF Houthi air strikes self-defence says Sunak
THE RAF’S second bombing blitz on Houthi rebels was self-defence, Rishi Sunak said yesterday as British bases were put on high alert for a backlash.
Four UK Typhoons joined US forces to smash targets in Yemen on Monday night after attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden continued.
British Prime Minister Mr Sunak vowed Britain will not hesitate to launch further air strikes against the Iranbacked Houthis unless they stopped.
Mr Sunak said: “We are not seeking a confrontation. 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 again in self defence. We cannot stand by and allow these attacks to go unchallenged. Inaction is also a choice.”
Sources said Western bases in places such as Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East are under increased risk of Tehran-sponsored retaliation.
One said: “Iranian groups in Iraq have increasingly launched attacks on US and UK targets and there is a risk of this elsewhere in the region.”
The RAF Typhoons and two Voyager tankers were involved in the latest action, refuelling the attack craft mid-air during the 3,200mile round trip.
Two military sites north of Yemen’s capital Sanaa were hit in the attacks launched from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
All intended targets were destroyed, said Mr Sunak.
The Houthis have been targeting shipping they claim is linked to Israel and the conflict with Hamas.
The latest air strikes – which follow the first joint blitz on January 11 – appear to have done little to deter them, with reports of drone activity in the region yesterday.
Keir Starmer said Labour backed the “targeted action to reinforce maritime security in the Red Sea”.