In a significant escalation in military operations, the United Kingdom has conducted its first air strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen since President Donald Trump resumed his role in the White House. The Royal Air Force (RAF) deployed Typhoon jets, armed with precision-guided missiles, to strike a facility reportedly utilized by the Houthis for the production of attack drones.

The air strikes were coordinated with the United States, which has been leading a bombing campaign aimed at degrading the capabilities of the Iran-aligned Houthi movement. This move comes amidst increasing tensions in the Red Sea, where Houthi forces have been aggressively targeting maritime shipping since November 2023, prompting international concern and military action.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that the RAF Typhoon jets struck a cluster of buildings located approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Yemens capital, Sanaa. These sites were identified as critical infrastructures for the Houthi drone manufacturing operations. In a statement, Defence Secretary John Healy asserted that the air strikes were necessary to protect British and international shipping interests, which have been severely hampered by a reported 55% drop in shipping traffic through the Red Sea. This decline has had dire economic implications, costing billions and threatening the financial wellbeing of families in the UK.

Healy highlighted the successful execution of the strikes, asserting that all UK military personnel and aircraft returned safely to their base following the operation. He emphasized the importance of conducting these strikes with precision, stating that they were planned meticulously to minimize any potential harm to civilian lives or non-military infrastructure. Furthermore, the MoD noted that the operations were carried out at night, reducing the likelihood of civilian presence in the targeted areas.

During a session in the House of Commons, Healy reassured lawmakers that initial assessments indicated the planned targets were successfully hit without reports of civilian casualties. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer took the opportunity to commend the professionalism and courage of British service personnel involved in the operation.

On the broader operational front, the US military has intensified its campaign against the Houthis in recent weeks, conducting hundreds of air strikes that have reportedly resulted in the deaths of numerous Houthi fighters, including several key leaders. However, Houthi-run media outlets have countered these claims, alleging that the strikes have resulted in numerous civilian deaths, although the specifics remain unverified. Notably, on Monday, the Houthis reported that at least 68 African migrants were killed in a US air strike that targeted a detention center in northwestern Yemen.

Since November 2023, the Iran-backed Houthis have been increasingly aggressive in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, launching missiles, drones, and small boat attacks against merchant vessels. Their operations have included the sinking of two ships, the seizure of another, and the tragic deaths of four crew members in these confrontations.

In a political statement, the Houthis have framed their military actions as a response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, asserting their commitment to targeting vessels perceived to be linked to Israel, the US, or the UK. They have declared their intention to resist what they describe as the trio of evil, comprising the US, UK, and Israel, amidst ongoing claims of their support for Palestinian struggles in Gaza.

The backdrop to these developments includes President Trump's call for an intensified bombing campaign in March, along with the deployment of two US aircraft carriers to the region. While RAF jets have participated in US-led airstrikes before, this marks a pivotal moment as it is the first such action under the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer's government since Trump's re-election. Earlier this year, an RAF tanker was also dispatched to provide refueling support to US warplanes engaged in similar operations.

Adding to the complexities of the situation, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has publicly criticized European nations for their perceived lack of involvement in efforts to counter the Houthi threat, referring to their contributions as inadequate and labeling them as freeloaders in a leaked conversation with senior officials.