British Ministry of Defense provided details of nighttime attack on Houthis in Yemen
Britain has revealed details of the nighttime attack on the Houthis in Yemen (photo: Getty Images)
British forces used four fighter jets to conduct airstrikes against the Houthis, deploying precision-guided bombs. These airstrikes were supported by a tanker aircraft, reports the UK Ministry of Defence.
"The coalition forces identified key facilities involved in these attacks, and agreed to conduct a carefully coordinated strike to reduce the Houthis’ capability to violate international law in this manner," stated the Ministry of Defence.
It is reported that four Typhoon FGR4 aircraft of the UK's Royal Air Force participated in the strike, supported by the Voyager tanker aircraft. The aircraft reportedly used Paveway IV guided bombs to deliver precise strikes on two Houthi objects. One of them was a platform in Bani in the northwest of Yemen, which was used for launching reconnaissance and strike drones.
"The other location struck by our aircraft was the airfield at Abbs. Intelligence has shown that it has been used to launch both cruise missiles and drones over the Red Sea. Several key targets at the airfield were identified and prosecuted by our aircraft," said the UK Ministry of Defence.
It is emphasized that special attention was given to minimizing any risks to the civilian population during the planning of the strikes. The detailed results of the strikes are being assessed, but initial indications suggest that the Houthi's ability to threaten maritime trade has been undermined.
Strikes by the United States and allies on Houthi bases in Yemen
The United States and Britain launched a series of airstrikes overnight on January 12, targeting arms storage facilities and training bases of the Houthi rebels in Yemen. According to reports, the strikes on the Houthi group in the western part of Yemen were carried out by American and British aircraft, as well as Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from US Navy ships in the Red Sea.
Shortly afterward, the strikes were confirmed by U.S. President Joe Biden. According to him, these airstrikes are a direct response to the unprecedented Houthi attacks on international maritime vessels in the Red Sea, including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles.
The reason for the airstrike was the acts of aggression by the Houthis against ships in the Red Sea. In November 2023, the Houthis began attacking ships in the Red Sea. On December 16, a British destroyer shot down a drone heading toward a merchant vessel.
