Britain ‘stepping up’ in fight against Houthi in Yemen

Defence Secretary John Healey has confirmed that UK forces conducted precision air strikes against a Houthi military facility in Yemen on 29 April, stating that the action was taken “in collective self-defence and to uphold the freedom of navigation, as Britain has always done,” according to an oral statement delivered to the House of Commons.

The strike, conducted alongside the United States, targeted a cluster of buildings used for manufacturing drones responsible for attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. RAF Typhoon FGR4s, supported by Voyager tankers, deployed Paveway IV precision-guided bombs against the site, located 15 miles south of Sanaa.

“This action was limited, it was targeted, it was devised to minimise the risk of civilian life,” Healey told MPs, confirming that “everyone involved from the UK operation has returned to base safely.”

He praised the professionalism and courage of British personnel involved, stating: “I want to thank, on behalf of the House, all the members of our Armed Forces involved in this operation – and pay tribute to them, for their total professionalism and their courage.”

British jets conduct air strikes on Houthi facilities

The Defence Secretary made clear that this was not only an act of defence but also a demonstration of British strength and resolve:

“This Government will always act in the interests of our national and economic security. The UK is now stepping up and encouraging allies to do more to protect our common security.”

Healey made clear that the strike aligned with four strategic objectives: to restore freedom of navigation, degrade Houthi capability, reinforce regional security, and protect UK economic interests.

The Defence Secretary also firmly rejected any justification for Houthi aggression, stating: “These attacks do absolutely nothing for the Palestinian people or the push for a lasting peace.”

He noted that Houthi aggression predates the conflict in Gaza, with over 320 attacks since November 2023 disrupting shipping lanes and endangering lives: “The Houthis act as an agent of instability across the region… They continue to receive backing from Iran, both military and financial. And even Russia has attempted to support the Houthi operations.”

The strategic importance of the region was underscored by economic realities. Healey said: “An estimated 12% of global trade and 30% of container traffic passes through the Red Sea every year… This cannot continue.”

Britain’s action, he said, complemented the United States’ sustained campaign in the region, which has included the deployment of two carrier strike groups and the destruction of Houthi weapons systems.

“The US continues to be the UK’s closest security ally. They are stepping up in the Red Sea – we are alongside them.”

Healey also pointed to broader UK contributions in the region, including use of RAF assets, the strategic base at Diego Garcia, and RAF Typhoons defending US carrier groups from near-daily drone and missile attacks.

“The UK has a long and proud history of taking action to protect freedom of navigation,” he said. “This illegal Houthi aggression… hits our economy here at home. That’s why the UK has taken this action – to help protect freedom of navigation, reinforce regional stability, and strengthen economic security for families across the country.”

Healey concluded with a clear affirmation of national strength: “We are determined we will keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad.”

Read the oral statement here.