British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak declared on Tuesday that the UK “will not hesitate” to launch further strikes on Houthi rebel positions if the group continues its assaults on ships in the Red Sea.
This announcement follows recent air and missile strikes conducted by the US and UK on rebel facilities across Yemen on Monday, as a response to ongoing attacks on Red Sea shipping.
A prior set of strikes in January failed to deter the Houthis from persisting in their assaults on the vital trade route.
Addressing the House of Commons, Prime Minister Sunak urged the rebels to cease their “illegal and unacceptable attacks.” While emphasizing that the UK is not seeking confrontation, Sunak asserted, “But if necessary, the United Kingdom will not hesitate to respond again in self-defense.
We cannot stand by and allow these attacks to go unchallenged,” adding, “Inaction is also a choice.”
The Red Sea has witnessed an escalation in attacks on commercial and military vessels since mid-November. The Houthis claim their actions are directed at Israeli-linked shipping in retaliation for Israel’s involvement in the conflict in Gaza.
Despite the Houthi perspective, the UK and US governments maintain that the rebel attacks should be viewed separately from the broader Middle East conflict.
