Fresh UK and US joint airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen have been carried out, the Ministry of Defence has said.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said the latest round of strikes were in “self-defence” as attacks on ships continue in the Red Sea, adding that the US-UK assault would “deal another blow” to the Iranian-backed militants.
The UK joined the US in carrying out strikes against the group in Yemen earlier this month, but ships have continued to be targeted along the vital Red Sea and Gulf of Aden trade routes.
Tonight, four @RoyalAirForce Typhoons conducted a second round of precision strikes on Houthi military targets alongside US forces.
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) January 22, 2024
Read my statement below: pic.twitter.com/mBxS87psbm
Rishi Sunak and US President Joe Biden spoke on Monday evening, with the two leaders undertaking to “continue efforts alongside international partners to deter and disrupt” attacks by Houthis.
In recent days, the US launched seven rounds of airstrikes on Houthi military sites, targeting air bases under the rebels’ control and suspected missile launch sites.