Britain's military conducted a joint operation with U.S. forces targeting the Houthi militia in Yemen, marking the first strike since President Trump resumed office and intensified actions against the Iran-backed group. The British Defense Ministry reported that the operation aimed to "degrade Houthi capabilities and prevent further attacks against U.K. and international shipping."
The operation involved Typhoon jets utilizing precision guided munitions and took place "after dark" to reduce civilian risk. The targeted location, approximately 15 miles south of Sana, the Yemeni capital, was identified as a cluster of buildings used by the Houthis for drone manufacturing, which had been employed in attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
British Defense Secretary John Healey confirmed in Parliament that all planned targets were successfully engaged without any reported civilian casualties. This operation followed a controversial incident where Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted sensitive information about a U.S. mission in Yemen on the unclassified Signal messaging app, raising concerns regarding operational security and potential impacts on allied participation.
In response to queries regarding U.S. security protocols, Mr. Healey assured lawmakers that "our own U.K. intelligence, our own U.K. communications systems remain secure." In leaked messages, Mr. Hegseth criticized European nations, calling them "freeloading" and "pathetic," a characterization Mr. Healey reframed as a "challenge" concerning military expenditure.
Since late 2023, the Houthis have escalated attacks on commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, framing their actions as solidarity with Palestinians amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza. Tuesday's operation was noted as the first British strike against Houthi positions since May of the previous year, following earlier joint efforts under President Joseph R. Biden Jr., which began in January 2024.
In March, Mr. Trump initiated a heightened military campaign termed "Operation Rough Rider," resulting in over 800 strikes against Houthi targets, according to U.S. military sources. Mr. Healey emphasized the importance of collaboration with the U.S. during this escalation, asserting that Houthi disruptions posed significant risks to global shipping and economic stability in Britain.
Mr. Healey cautioned that the Houthis act as an "agent of instability" backed by Iran and noted that Russia has also attempted to support Houthi operations. He referenced assertions that recent U.S. strikes had diminished Houthi command centers, air defense capabilities, and advanced weaponry, reporting a 69 percent reduction in ballistic missile launches and a 55 percent decline in drone attacks.