The United Kingdom has launched airstrikes in Yemen alongside the United States, targeting Houthi rebel positions near the capital, Sanaa. This marks the UK’s first involvement in the latest U.S.-led offensive, named “Operation Rough Rider.”
British fighter jets struck a group of buildings 15 miles south of Sanaa, which were believed to be used by the Houthis to make drones.
These drones have been used to attack ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden — a vital shipping route for global trade.
The UK’s Defense Ministry said the strike was carried out at night to reduce the risk of civilian casualties. However, they did not say how much damage was caused or whether anyone was killed. The U.S. military did not comment on this specific strike.
UK Defense Secretary John Healey said the attack was necessary because Houthi threats have led to a 55% drop in shipping through the Red Sea, costing billions and creating instability that affects families back in the UK.
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This joint attack comes just days after a U.S. airstrike allegedly hit a prison in Yemen, killing at least 68 people, many of them African migrants. The U.S. is currently investigating the incident.
Tensions have been rising as the Houthis continue their attacks in response to the war in Gaza and Israel’s blockade of aid. They remain one of the few Iran-backed groups still able to strike Israel directly.
Since March, the U.S. has carried out over 800 airstrikes on Houthi targets, using two aircraft carriers — the USS Harry S. Truman and the USS Carl Vinson — operating in the region.
The UK’s latest move signals deeper involvement in the conflict under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
With violence growing and civilian casualties mounting, the situation in Yemen remains highly volatile.
