Grant Shapps | Business Upturn

U.S. and UK launch airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen

Aishi Saha — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 18:01:32 +0000

In a joint effort, the United States (U.S.) and Britain have launched a series of airstrikes targeting more than a dozen Houthi targets in Yemen. This action comes as a response to a recent surge in attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia on ships traversing the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The coordinated strikes, which mark the fourth such operation by the two allies, aim to deter further attacks by the group, particularly following a recent missile strike that caused a cargo ship to catch fire.

According to U.S. officials, American and British fighter jets carried out the airstrikes, targeting approximately 18 sites across various locations. These targets included missiles, launchers, rockets, drones, and unmanned surface and underwater vehicles. The strikes were launched from the USS Dwight D Eisenhower aircraft carrier stationed in the Red Sea, under the directive of U.S. President Joe Biden, who was briefed on the targets beforehand.

Despite these counter-attacks, the Houthi militia has continued its campaign against shipping in the region, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Masirah TV, a prominent news outlet affiliated with the Houthi movement, reported nine airstrikes conducted by U.S. and UK forces in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) participated in the strikes, deploying four Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets supported by two Voyager fuel tankers. These airstrikes targeted long-range drones and their launchers, located northeast of Sanaa, which the Houthis use for reconnaissance and attack missions.

British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps underscored the importance of protecting maritime interests and ensuring freedom of navigation in the region. He praised the RAF’s involvement in degrading Houthi capabilities and preventing further attacks on commercial shipping. Additionally, Shapps expressed gratitude to the personnel involved in executing the airstrikes.

The U.S. Secretary of Defence, Lloyd J Austin, noted that the joint operation received support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. The strikes targeted various Houthi military assets, including underground weapons storage facilities, missile storage facilities, and air defence systems.

Despite these efforts, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh acknowledged that the Houthis have maintained their capabilities and continue to receive support from Iran. The recent increase in attacks underscores the ongoing challenges posed by the Houthi insurgency in Yemen and the broader implications for regional security and stability.

U.S. and UK conduct fourth round of strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen to safeguard Red Sea trade

Jennifer Philip — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 07:38:12 +0000

U.S. and UK military aircraft conducted a collaborative assault on 18 locations in Yemen held by Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, on Saturday. This marks the fourth coordinated operation between the two nations, intending to diminish the Houthi’s capacity to pose a threat to maritime traffic along the crucial Red Sea trade passage.

In a joint statement, the Pentagon announced that the airstrikes targeted various Houthi facilities associated with underground storage, missile storage, drones, air defence, radars, and a helicopter. The statement emphasised that the strikes, deemed “necessary and proportionate” by the U.S., aimed to disrupt and diminish the capabilities utilised by the Houthis to endanger global trade, naval vessels, and the safety of innocent sailors in one of the world’s most crucial water routes.

Furthermore, it highlighted the Houthi’s responsibility for over 45 attacks on commercial and naval ships since mid-November, underscoring the risk posed to the global economy, regional security, and stability, necessitating an international response. The statement also noted the involvement and support of Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand in carrying out the strikes.

After the recent airstrikes, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasised the United States’ unwavering commitment to protecting lives and facilitating uninterrupted commerce in one of the world’s most crucial maritime routes. He stated that the U.S. stands ready to take necessary measures to uphold these priorities. Moreover, Austin reiterated the U.S.’s pledge to support regional allies and ensure the security of the Red Sea.

Meanwhile, UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps asserted the UK’s obligation to safeguard lives at sea and uphold freedom of navigation. He stated that the Royal Air Force’s participation in the “fourth wave of precision strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen” was aimed at fulfilling this responsibility.

Additionally, the U.S. military reported the destruction of seven Houthi mobile anti-ship missiles, which were being prepared for potential attacks. The Houthi rebels have been conducting assaults on vessels in the Red Sea, alleging ties to Israel and Western powers, as a response to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.

The conflict in Yemen dates back to 2014 when Houthi rebels seized control of the capital, Sanaa, and significant portions of the country, triggering a civil war. They have since been met with opposition from a Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government. The prolonged conflict has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis, with millions of Yemenis facing famine, disease, and displacement.

The Red Sea serves as a vital shipping lane, connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, and is crucial for the transportation of oil and gas from the Middle East. Any disruption or escalation of hostilities in this region could have severe repercussions on global trade and energy supplies.

UK Pledges Further Support for Ukraine

Aishi Saha — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 14:42:28 +0000

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russia, announcing additional funding for vital artillery ammunition. This declaration of support comes on the heels of the recent delivery of 200 Brimstone anti-tank missiles, bolstering the total number of such missiles dispatched to Kyiv to over 1,300 since the outset of the conflict.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed the UK’s dedication to supplying thousands of drones to Ukraine as part of an international coalition, with London taking a co-leadership role. Emphasizing the significance of Ukraine’s effective use of artillery in degrading Russia’s forces and thwarting significant breakthroughs, the Ministry of Defence highlighted the pivotal role of this weaponry.

In commemorating what he termed as a “grim anniversary” on Saturday (Feb 24), Sunak shared a video message expressing solidarity with Ukraine. He underscored the triumph of life over death and light over darkness, pledging unwavering support with the resounding Ukrainian slogan “Slava Ukraini” (“Glory to Ukraine”).

Despite undisclosed military casualty figures from Kyiv, U.S. officials estimate significant losses with approximately 70,000 soldiers killed and 120,000 injured. While casualties are also heavy on the Russian side, Moscow appears capable of replenishing its ranks through coercion, financial incentives, and its larger population.

In addition to military support, the UK has committed £8.5 million to the Red Cross and the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, bolstering emergency responses and humanitarian assistance efforts across Ukraine. Of this amount, £6 million will support the Red Cross Movement’s impartial work, while £2.5 million will contribute to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund under the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Earlier in the week, Ukrainian President Zelensky rejected Russia’s claims of seizing Krynky, Ukraine’s bridgehead on the Russian-occupied side of the Dnipro river. This comes amidst ongoing tensions and conflicting reports as Russia claimed new military successes ahead of the second anniversary of its “special military operation.”

As the conflict continues to unfold, Britain’s steadfast support for Ukraine underscores the international community’s commitment to upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russian aggression.

Grant Shapps appointed as new defence secretary of UK by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

Adesh Dixit — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 19:42:47 +0000

Following Ben Wallace’s resignation from his role as defense secretary earlier today, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday named Conservative MP and former energy secretary Grant Shapps as the new secretary.

Since Winston Churchill, Wallace served as the Tories’ defense secretary for the longest.

Shapps’ appointment was made public by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office about an hour after he was spotted leaving 10 Downing Street, according to AFP.

The office of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak posted on X (previously Twitter) that The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP @GrantShapps had been appointed Secretary of State for Defence @DefenceHQ.

The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP @GrantShapps has been appointed Secretary of State for Defence @DefenceHQ pic.twitter.com/ln5Sw6ZRyq

— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) August 31, 2023

After being appointed to the role, Grant Shapps expressed his excitement about working with the armed forces that defend the country.

“I’m honored to serve as @RishiSunak’s Defense Secretary,” Shapps said on X, “I’d like to acknowledge the tremendous impact Ben Wallace has made to UK defense & international security over the last 4 years.

https://x.com/grantshapps/status/1697168829141401767?s=46&t=rAqux3ilOhqo8EUShnGQQA

“As I begin my work at @DefenceHQ, I am eager to collaborate with the courageous members of our Armed Forces who protect national security. Shapps stated on X, “And continuing the UK’s support for Ukraine in their struggle against Putin’s barbarous invasion.

Shapps previously held the position of transport secretary in the Boris Johnson cabinet before temporarily serving as home minister in last October’s short-lived Liz Truss administration.

The positions of energy secretary and net zero were given to MP Claire Coutinho after Shapps was named defense secretary.

“Claire Coutinho MP @ClaireCoutinho has been appointed Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero @energygovuk,” Rishi Sunak’s office announced on X.

https://x.com/10downingstreet/status/1697178283123622027?s=46&t=rAqux3ilOhqo8EUShnGQQA

Wallace stated in his letter of resignation that he supported the army through good times and bad. The Wannacry ransomware attack, the terrorist assaults of 2017, the Salisbury poisonings, and the wars in Afghanistan, Sudan, and Ukraine were all occurrences he remembered.

Wallace said that he would continue to support Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his administration, according to ANI.

Ben Wallace’s resignation from the Sunak cabinet comes shortly after the second resignation. Nadine Dorries earlier declared that she will be leaving the UK House of Commons “with immediate effect.”