2019
In November 2019, a Houthi military helicopter flew over the Red Sea, specifically over the Galaxy Leader cargo ship, during an incident.
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Four U.S. officials have confirmed that the United States and the United Kingdom have initiated attacks on targets associated with Houthis in Yemen. This action took place tonight.
Aircraft, ships, and submarines have been utilized to launch attacks on the Houthis, according to their statement.
This is the initial occurrence of strikes being carried out against the Iran-backed group, which has been targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea since late last year.
According to a representative from the Houthi movement, multiple Yemeni cities were subjected to raids in the early hours of Friday.
On X, Houthi official Abdul Qader al-Mortada stated that the American-Zionist-British coalition had initiated attacks on the Yemeni capital of Sanaa, as well as the governorates of Hodeidah, Saada, and Dhamar.
Following an emergency cabinet meeting held by UK prime minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday evening, there were rumors that the UK may initiate attacks.
After news of the cabinet gathering, members of the opposing party demanded that Parliament reconvene prior to any military intervention by the UK.
The United Kingdom and United States have initiated offensive actions in Yemen.
According to four U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters, the United States and the United Kingdom have begun conducting airstrikes on targets associated with Houthis in Yemen.
There have been accounts of three blasts in the city of Sana’a, located in Yemen’s capital.
This would mark the initial instance of attacks being initiated against the Iran-supported organization since it began attacking global shipping in the Red Sea in the latter part of last year.
Who are the Houthi rebels and what is their motive for attacking ships in the Red Sea?
On November 19th, there was the 26th instance of attack where 21 missiles and drones were launched at naval ships and commercial boats in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which is a key point in the southern Red Sea.
Despite a scheduled vote by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday, an attack occurred that may lead to condemnation and a request for the Houthis to cease their attacks. The Houthis claim their actions are in response to Israel’s conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
View the complete report here.
On Thursday, Sunak had a conversation with the President of Egypt to address the recent assaults in the Red Sea.
On Thursday, Rishi Sunak addressed the Red Sea attacks and declared that the UK will persist in safeguarding freedom of navigation and preserving lives at sea. This was conveyed during a conversation with the President of Egypt in the afternoon, according to No 10.
The Prime Minister had a conversation with Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi this afternoon, according to a spokesperson from Downing Street.
“They addressed the alarming increase in Houthi assaults on commercial ships in the Red Sea and the consequential effects on international shipping, such as the disruption of traffic through the Suez Canal. The Prime Minister stated that the UK will continue to take measures to safeguard freedom of movement and safeguard the safety of those at sea.”
Recently enlisted Houthi fighters photographed in Yemen.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to President Sisi for his ongoing assistance with humanitarian and diplomatic efforts in Gaza, including their collaboration in securing the freedom of British hostages and individuals connected to the UK.
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The parties involved have come to a consensus on the crucial need to increase the amount of aid being delivered to those living in Gaza in order to prevent the humanitarian situation from deteriorating further.
The UK’s Prime Minister has urged Israel to increase the number of land crossings and permit a much larger amount of aid, potentially up to 500 trucks daily.
Sunak being urged to convene parliament
There are demands for Rishi Sunak to summon Parliament back if the UK Government is planning to engage in military intervention against Houthi rebels before Monday.
It is crucial for Parliament to have a vote if the UK intends to engage in military intervention, according to Layla Moran MP, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for foreign affairs.
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If there are planned strikes before Monday, the Prime Minister will need to arrange for a recall of Parliament.
The Liberal Democrats have expressed deep concern over the recent Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
The situation negatively affects regional safety and also contributes to a rise in cost of living in the UK due to diverted ships.
There are demands for Rishi Sunak to bring parliament back into session.
The cabinet convened amidst worries about assaults in the Red Sea.
On Thursday evening, Rishi Sunak conducted a complete Cabinet meeting amidst growing speculation that the UK and its Western allies may respond to the attacks in the Red Sea by taking action against the Houthi rebels.
The scheduled start time for the meeting was approximately 7:45pm, following a warning from Defence Secretary Grant Shapps to the Iranian-backed group that there could be consequences if disruptions in the important global shipping route persist. Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron was observed entering No 10 shortly before 8pm.
According to sources, Sir Keir Starmer and shadow defence secretary John Healey will receive a briefing following the call. Additionally, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle was spotted arriving at the Cabinet Office.
According to No 10, the Prime Minister discussed the disturbance and reiterated that Britain will take steps to safeguard freedom of navigation and preserve lives at sea during a conversation with the Egyptian president on Thursday.
It comes after UK and US naval forces destroyed “multiple attack drones” deployed by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, believed to be the largest attack yet from the Yemen-based force.
Mr. Shapps has stated that if attacks continue, additional measures will be implemented. This comes as there is increasing international concern regarding the disruption of a major global shipping route.
He also stated his belief that the Houthis, a Shiite group in control of Yemen’s capital since 2014, were being backed by Iran.
Source: independent.co.uk
