British and US forces appear to be preparing to strike an Iranian-backed armed group in Yemen after Houthi rebels defied a warning to stop attacking ships in the Red Sea.
The accused is Grant Shapps, British Defense Secretary Iran From intervening and declaring “enough is enough” in an escalating crisis that could ignite a broader conflict across the Middle East.
Concerns are also growing about the global economic impact of disruption to shipping through the vital Red Sea, as ships choose to divert, raising the cost of trade and potentially causing higher inflation.
Royal Navy warship Seven drones were shot down Tuesday night in an operation in which US naval ships and aircraft participated to repel the largest Houthi missile and drone attack to date.
A Royal Navy warship shot down seven drones overnight Tuesday
Pic: Ministry of Defense
Why do the Houthis attack ships in the Red Sea?
This came despite a warning issued a week ago by the US, UK and other partners to the group to end targeting commercial shipping or “take responsibility for the consequences”.
'Look at this space'
In response to a question whether military action against Houthi targets has now become inevitable? Mr Shapps He told reporters on Wednesday: “I can't go into detail, but I can say that the joint statement we issued set out a very clear path, which is that if this doesn't stop, action will be taken, so I'm afraid the simplest thing is to say: watch this space.” “
He also had unusually tough words for Iran, which he accused of arming the Houthis and providing surveillance support to identify shipping targets.
The Defense Minister said: “We saw this huge attack last night by Houthi militants, but we have no doubt at all that Iran is leading what is happening there in the Red Sea.”
“Providing them not only with the equipment to carry out those attacks, but also often the eyes and ears to allow those attacks to happen.
“That's enough for us.”
Regarding whether this means the UK and its allies are prepared to attack Iran directly, Shapps said: “Our immediate concern is where these attacks are coming from – namely the Houthis who are based, as you know, in Yemen and Iran.” Carrying out attacks from Yemen itself, so we called on the Houthis to stop, cease and desist. “It has to happen now.”
The Houthis began attacking ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea in November in protest Israel The war on Gaza that began after that agitation Another Iranian-backed armed group carried out a devastating terrorist attack against Israeli targets on October 7.
Incidents reported in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden from 19 November 2023 to 2 January 2024
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Explaining the Red Sea attacks
A Houthi spokesman on Wednesday claimed responsibility for the latest missile and drone attack, claiming they targeted a US warship that was operating in support of Israel.
Brigadier General Yahya Saree indicated that the militants will not stop their mission, saying that it will continue “until the aggression stops and the siege on our steadfast brothers in the Gaza Strip ends.”
'There will be consequences'
Anthony BlinkenThe US Secretary of State, who is visiting the region, reiterated the message to the Houthis contained in the joint statement issued on January 3, saying that 20 countries have made clear that if these attacks continue as they did yesterday, there will be no consequences.
US and British forces on Tuesday night shot down 18 unidirectional attack drones – designed to explode on impact – launched by Houthi militias in Yemen along with two anti-ship cruise missiles and an anti-ship ballistic missile.
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Houthi fighters will face 'consequences'
The attack began around 9:15 pm local time, according to a US Army statement that described it as a “complex attack.”
The United States said this was the 26th Houthi attack on commercial ships since November 19.
In a statement posted on social media, Mr Shapps detailed the UK’s involvement: “Overnight, HMS Diamond, alongside US warships, successfully repulsed the largest attack by the Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea to date.
“Using Sea Viper missiles and guns, Diamond destroyed several attack drones heading towards her and commercial ships in the area, with no casualties or damage to Diamond or her crew.
“The UK and its allies have previously made clear that these unlawful attacks are completely unacceptable, and if they continue, the Houthis will bear the consequences.
“We will take necessary measures to protect innocent lives and the global economy.”
IranThe Houthi-backed Houthis say the attacks aim to end the air and ground assault on the region Gaza strip Following the October 7 attacks agitation.
A coalition of countries led by the United States is patrolling the Red Sea to try to prevent attacks.
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How are the Houthi rebel attacks affecting the world?
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How did the Red Sea become a battlefield?
Gaza residents say “people's suffering is great”
The ships saw missiles and drones approaching
UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which monitors shipping attacks in the region, said it was aware of an attack off the Yemeni port of Hodeidah on Tuesday.
Private intelligence firm Embry said the ships reported over the radio that they had seen missiles and drones, while US-allied warships in the area urged “ships to move at full speed.”
The attack occurred ahead of a planned vote in the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday to condemn rebel attacks on commercial vessels and ships and demand an immediate halt to them.
