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On Friday, British Defense Minister James Heappey stated that the UK currently has no immediate plans to conduct additional airstrikes in Yemen. This announcement follows the recent joint US-UK airstrikes on Thursday, which targeted around a dozen Houthi positions in Yemen.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5, Heappey emphasized the need to address the Red Sea Houthi attacks, labeling them a significant concern. The recent airstrikes, which resulted in the deaths of five individuals, according to Houthi leaders, were a response to the Houthis’ naval strike campaign against civilian shipping in the Red Sea.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described these strikes as “necessary, proportionate, and targeted.” President Joe Biden, confirming support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, defended the operation as a necessary defensive action against threats to American vessels in the Red Sea.
Biden elaborated on the rationale behind the strikes, stating, “Today’s defensive action follows this extensive diplomatic campaign and Houthi rebels’ escalating attacks against commercial vessels.” He emphasized the commitment of the United States and its allies to maintaining the safety of personnel and the freedom of navigation in crucial commercial routes.
The Houthi spokesperson, Mohammed Abdul-Salam, criticized the airstrikes, calling them a “treacherous aggression” and a mistake if the US and UK believed it would deter Yemen’s support for Palestine and Gaza. He vowed to continue targeting Israeli ships or those headed to Israeli ports.