UK Prepares to Strike Houthi Military Targets in Response to Red Sea Threats

3 January, 2024 Typhoon FGR.4 multirole fighter from the No.

1 Squadron RAF. Photo credits: RAF The United Kingdom government is preparing to strike Yemeni Houthis' military facilities, where they are preparing weapons for attacks on civilian vessels.

The information was disclosed by the Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, to the British media. Due to constant attacks against civilian vessels by Yemeni Houthis and attempts of participants of international naval operation in the Red Sea to protect them, the UK government decided to take more direct actions. Such a decision is connected to the country's dependence on civilian shipping, which plays a major role in the UK economy.

HMS Diamond Type 45 guided missile destroyer.

Photo credits: the Royal Navy

In addition, the destruction of military facilities on Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen will help provide a temporary "safe corridor" for civilian vessels.

"The Houthis should be under no misunderstanding: we are committed to holding malign actors accountable for unlawful seizures and attacks," Defence Secretary Grant Shapps stated.

In addition to the UK, the United States may also join the strikes on military targets, as it is the lead country in the international operation Prosperity Guardian, which involves the British HMS Diamond missile destroyer and the HMS Lancaster anti-submarine warfare frigate. In addition, the Defence Secretary believes that such direct actions by NATO countries in the Red Sea will discourage Iran and China from creating a dangerous situation in their regions for civilian shipping.

A Typhoon FGR. Mk 4 fighter jet with Storm Shadow missiles of No.

1 Squadron RAF in preparation for a flight. Photo credits: RAF

It is planned that the strikes on military targets will involve Typhoon fighters with Storm Shadow missiles, which will operate from the RAF Akrotiri air base in Cyprus. As Militarnyi previously reported, HMS Diamond, the British missile destroyer, shot down a suspected attack drone targeting merchant shipping in the Red Sea.

The drone was hit by a Sea Viper (Aster) missile from the ship's Principal Anti-Air Missile System (PAAMS).

The incident reportedly took place on the night of December 15.

On December 11, it was reported that the French Languedoc frigate (D653) shot down two drones that were targeting the ship while patrolling the Red Sea.