The UK joins the US in airstrikes against Houthi rebels, targeting drone manufacturing sites, amid growing regional tensions

In a significant escalation of its involvement in Yemen, the British military launched airstrikes alongside the United States, targeting sites linked to the Houthi rebels. This marks the first time the UK has participated in such operations under President Trump’s administration, as part of a more aggressive campaign against the Iranian-backed militant group.

The airstrike, which took place on Wednesday, was aimed at a cluster of buildings south of the Yemeni capital, Sana’a, reportedly used by the Houthis for the production of drones. These drones have been employed in attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, vital waterways for global trade. The British Defence Secretary, John Healey, justified the strike by pointing to the growing threat posed by the Houthis to international shipping, which has already led to a 55% drop in maritime traffic through the Red Sea. This decline has cost billions of dollars, contributing to regional instability and threatening economic security, particularly for the UK.

Healey emphasised that the British operation was a response to the persistent risk posed by the Houthis to freedom of navigation, a central concern for global trade and the security of international waters. The specific target of the raid was described as a site used by the rebels to manufacture the very drones that have been instrumental in their attacks on commercial shipping vessels. The UK’s Defence Ministry stated that Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets were deployed, dropping Paveway IV guided bombs on the designated target.

The airstrike was conducted at night to reduce the risk of civilian casualties, with the Ministry noting that the likelihood of civilian presence in the targeted area was minimal. However, no further details on the extent of the damage or casualties have been provided by the British authorities. The US military, which is also heavily involved in the operation, has not officially acknowledged the airstrike. This is consistent with the broader secrecy surrounding the more than 800 airstrikes carried out by the US since the campaign’s launch in March.

The attack is part of a broader offensive known as Operation Rough Rider, initiated by the Trump administration as part of a push to curb the Houthi rebels’ capabilities, especially as they continue to disrupt shipping and pose a growing threat to regional stability. The strikes are also aligned with broader US objectives in the Middle East, particularly as the Biden administration engages in complex negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program. While the US has conducted operations in Yemen since January 2024, this new involvement marks the first time the UK has joined in directly under the Trump administration.

The British involvement in the strikes comes at a time of heightened controversy surrounding the US-led campaign. Recent American airstrikes, including one on April 18th, led to significant civilian casualties, sparking public outcry. On Monday, a US airstrike hit a prison in Yemen, reportedly killing at least 68 people and wounding dozens more, drawing condemnation for the loss of life among African migrants held there. The US is also grappling with scrutiny over the use of unclassified messaging apps to share sensitive operational details, an issue raised by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The joint UK-US operation continues to target the Houthis, who have been accused of posing a direct threat to commercial and military interests in the region. The Houthis’ continued attacks on global trade routes and their alignment with Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” have made them a focus of international military efforts. As the situation in Yemen remains volatile, the strikes have intensified both military pressure on the Houthis and international debate about the ethical and humanitarian consequences of such interventions.

SKY NEWS

The UK has joined the US in conducting airstrikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen for the first time since Donald Trump’s re-election. The operation, carried out by RAF Typhoon FGR4S, targeted a cluster of buildings used to manufacture drones that have been employed in attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The strikes, which occurred after dark to reduce civilian casualties, were supported by air refuelling from Voyager tankers. This military action comes in response to ongoing Houthi threats to international shipping routes, which have significantly disrupted trade in the region. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasised the strategic importance of ensuring the freedom of navigation in these waters, citing a 55% drop in shipping traffic and billions of dollars in losses. The UK government remains committed to maintaining global stability and protecting British economic security through such operations.

THE INDEPENDENT

British forces, in coordination with the US, successfully conducted airstrikes on a Houthi military target in Yemen on Tuesday evening. The operation, led by RAF Typhoon FGR4S, aimed at Houthi buildings used to manufacture drones for attacks on ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Ministry of Defence (Mod) emphasised the careful planning to minimise civilian risks. Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that all UK aircraft and personnel returned safely. The strikes were a response to the Houthis’ persistent threats to international shipping, which have already caused a 55% drop in Red Sea shipping traffic, leading to billions in losses. Healey stressed the UK’s commitment to global stability and protecting national security. The Houthis’ actions are framed as retaliation for Israel’s war on Hamas, a justification rejected by the UK and its allies.

GOV.UK

On 29 April 2025, UK forces participated in a joint operation with US forces targeting a Houthi military facility in Yemen. This action aligns with the UK government’s longstanding policy following the Houthis’ campaign of attacks, initiated in November 2023, which have threatened freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and resulted in attacks on international shipping, causing the deaths of innocent merchant mariners.

Intelligence analysis identified a cluster of buildings, used by the Houthis to manufacture drones for ship attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, located approximately 15 miles south of Sanaa. Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4S, supported by Voyager tankers for air refuelling, engaged these buildings with Paveway IV precision-guided bombs. Careful planning ensured minimal risk to civilians and non-military infrastructure, and the strike was conducted after dark to reduce civilian presence. All aircraft and personnel returned safely.