
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.