UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has pledged the continuation of Royal Air Force (RAF) strikes against Houthi militants in Yemen, in response to attacks on Red Sea shipping. These military measures are in retaliation to the Houthis’ use of drones and missiles against maritime vessels, which Shapps decried as reckless behavior endangering humanitarian aid deliveries to Yemen. In a recent operation, the RAF successfully targeted eight Houthi sites involved in drone operations.

Addressing Parliament, Shapps called for international condemnation of the Houthi’s actions and emphasized the need for cooperation in safeguarding global commerce. He assured MPs of the RAF strikes’ effectiveness in diminishing Houthi capabilities while averting civilian casualties. The Defence Secretary underscored the importance of deterrence, accountability, and preventing the escalation of violence.

Amidst these developments, a rocket attack near Yemen’s Al Hudaydah port targeted a ship in the Red Sea. The attack caused no injuries or damage, as reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which has advised caution for vessels in the vicinity. This incident follows a joint military offensive by the US, UK, and six other nations against 18 Houthi sites in Yemen, aimed at retaliatory measures for previous Houthi attacks on shipping, including a recent assault on the M/V Rubyamar cargo ship.

The Houthi insurgency’s attacks, part of a broader solidarity with Palestinians, are seen as attempts to pressurize Israel amidst regional tensions. The combined US and UK-led efforts reflect an overarching goal to maintain security and ensure the unimpeded flow of international trade through critical maritime routes.