Britain and the United States are reportedly preparing to launch overnight air strikes against military positions belonging to the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, according to a report by The Times newspaper. The U.S. has not confirmed its intention to carry out air strikes, and there has been no immediate response from British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office regarding the matter. Sunak is said to have briefed his cabinet on the imminent military intervention earlier today, as reported by The Times. Various political figures, including opposition leader Keir Starmer and the speaker of the House of Commons, have also been briefed by the government.
The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have recently escalated their attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea in response to Israel’s conflict in Gaza. This has led to the suspension of operations by several shipping lines, which have opted for the longer route around Africa instead. The U.S. military stated that the Houthis carried out their 27th attack on shipping since November 19th by firing an anti-ship ballistic missile into international shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden earlier today.
Earlier this week, U.S. and British naval forces successfully intercepted and destroyed drones and missiles fired by the Houthis in the southern Red Sea. The situation remains tense as both countries consider the appropriate response to the continued aggression by the Houthi militants.
The news of potential air strikes has raised concerns and sparked discussions about the escalation of the conflict in Yemen. The international community is closely watching the situation and urging all parties involved to exercise restraint to prevent further deterioration of the already fragile humanitarian situation in the war-torn country.
It is important to note that any military intervention would have significant implications for Yemen and the region as a whole. The conflict in Yemen has already resulted in the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with millions of people suffering from famine, displacement, and a lack of access to basic healthcare and other essential services.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond and whether the reported air strikes will indeed take place. The urgency now lies in finding a political solution to the Yemen conflict that will bring an end to the suffering of its people and ensure stability in the region.
