The UK has carried out its first air strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen since US President Donald Trump returned to the White House, marking a significant escalation in British military involvement in the Red Sea crisis.
According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon jets, operating in coordination with US forces, targeted a compound used by Houthi rebels to manufacture drones.
The strikes, conducted overnight with precision-guided munitions, aimed to minimise civilian harm and were launched after careful intelligence gathering identified the site approximately 24km south of the Yemeni capital, Sana’a.
This marks the first direct British military engagement in Yemen under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government and the first UK participation in US-led strikes since Trump’s re-election.
RAF Strikes Respond to Red Sea Threats
Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed the mission’s success, stating that all personnel and aircraft returned safely.
He cited the deteriorating security of international shipping lanes as justification, noting that Houthi attacks have caused a 55% reduction in Red Sea maritime traffic—inflicting economic losses and fuelling global instability.
“Increased threats to shipping jeopardise UK economic security and international trade,” Healey told the House of Commons, reaffirming Britain’s commitment to protecting vital maritime routes.
Houthi Retaliation Threats as Civilian Casualties Disputed
In response, Houthi leadership condemned the UK’s actions, warning of consequences.
Through their Al Masirah TV channel, they accused the UK of aligning with what they called the “trio of evil”—the US, UK and Israel—who they claim are complicit in supporting Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The Houthis have previously targeted dozens of commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden using missiles, drones, and speedboats, asserting—often without evidence—that their targets are linked to the US, UK, or Israel. At least four sailors have been killed in these attacks, with two ships sunk and one seized.
Houthi authorities also allege that recent US-led air raids have killed civilians, including 68 African migrants in a strike on a detention centre in north-western Yemen—though these claims remain unverified.
International Tensions Rise as Trump Intensifies Campaign
Since November 2023, the Iran-aligned Houthi movement has posed a growing threat to global shipping.
In response, the US has led a large-scale bombing campaign, killing what it claims are hundreds of Houthi fighters, including key commanders.
Following Trump’s return to office, the US has ramped up military pressure, deploying two aircraft carriers to the region and calling on allies for increased support.
However, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth recently criticised European allies, branding them “freeloaders” in a leaked message and describing their efforts as “pathetic”.
Despite previous participation under the Conservative government, this latest RAF action signals a renewed and more assertive UK role in US-led operations in the Middle East under the new Labour leadership.
