Amid the deteriorating security situation in the Red Sea, Britain is ready to strike at Houthi rebels to stop their attacks on cargo ships. This was stated by The Telegraph in an article by British Defense Secretary Grant Shepps, UNN reports.
Details
The United Kingdom is working with the United States to develop plans for potential military strikes against the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen to counter their attacks on shipping, which are causing chaos on global trade routes .
According to the Defense Secretary, Britain will not hesitate to take "direct action" in the event of Houthi attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea.
He recalled how a few weeks ago a British destroyer had already shot down a Houthi drone. Shepps called it one of the proofs of Britain's readiness to take direct action to prevent threats to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.
In particular, the UK is already considering moving HMS Lancaster, a Type 23 frigate operating in the Persian Gulf region, to the Red Sea to support HMS Diamond.
Addendum
According to the newspaper, the United States and the United Kingdom are preparing a joint statement that could be released today.
In particular, high-ranking sources of The Telegraph emphasize that the Biden administration will not "telegraph" its military plans in advance, but they have not ruled out the prospect of air strikes in the near future.
The journalists admit that the joint statement by the US and the UK will be a "verbal last warning" to the Houthis.
Recall
Small Houthi boats attacked a merchant ship and US Navy helicopters in the southern Red Sea. The US helicopters returned fire and sank three of the four boats.
WSJ: Iranian spy ship helps Houthis attack ships in the Red Sea23.12.23, 12:00