There is a report that Britain may be contemplating launching airstrikes against Houthi insurgents, following the announcement from the US that its navy destroyed three boats that were attacking a cargo ship in the Red Sea.
The defense secretary, Grant Shapps, stated that the government would not hesitate to use “direct action” to stop future attacks. This comes as there are reports of the UK and US planning to release a joint statement as a final warning to the Yemeni group.
The Maersk Hangzhou was targeted by four boats from Yemen controlled by the Houthi group, and the US military responded by firing back from helicopters.
According to the US Central Command (Centcom), multiple team members aboard the armed Houthi vessels lost their lives, while there were no injuries reported on the ship.
In an article for the Telegraph, Shapps stated that the UK is prepared to take additional measures to prevent any threats to the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.
He stated that the Houthis should not be mistaken: we are dedicated to holding responsible those who engage in illegal seizures and attacks.
In an effort to prevent attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea, a Royal Navy destroyer has joined forces with American and French warships in a US-led operation known as Operation Prosperity Guardian. The vessel, HMS Diamond, will be participating this month.
Several sources have stated that the UK is considering the option of using force in response to Iran-backed Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The Houthis have claimed that these attacks are either connected to Israel or targeting Israeli ports.
Their stated goal is to put an end to Israel’s military actions against the Gaza Strip following the 7 October attack by Hamas.
On Sunday, David Cameron, the foreign secretary, communicated with Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
“I had a conversation with [Amir-Abdollahian] today regarding the Houthi assaults in the Red Sea, which pose a threat to innocent lives and the worldwide economy,” Lord Cameron stated on X, previously known as Twitter. “I emphasized that Iran bears a responsibility in stopping these attacks due to their longstanding backing of the Houthis.”
Shapps criticized a bid that he deemed as “outrageous” for disrupting global trade.
A representative from the UK government stated that the situation in the Red Sea is very concerning. The attacks by the Houthis are not acceptable and are causing instability. While we are preparing for various possibilities, no choices have been made yet and we are actively seeking diplomatic solutions.
We are urging the Houthi, who are supported by Iran, to stop their illegal attacks. We are collaborating with our allies and partners to safeguard the freedom of navigation.
According to Centcom’s statement, the Maersk Hangzhou, a ship flying the Singaporean flag, was struck by a missile on Saturday evening while traveling through the southern Red Sea. The ship has requested help.
In a separate declaration, Centcom reported that the vessel in question made another desperate plea for help following a subsequent assault “carried out by four small boats supported by Iran-backed Houthi forces”.
The assailants used small firearms to shoot at the Maersk Hangzhou, coming within approximately 20 meters (65 feet) of the ship. In response, a security team aboard the vessel returned fire, according to Centcom.
According to a statement, US helicopters reacted to a call for help and retaliated when the crew of small boats fired at them with small weapons. As a result, three of the boats were sunk and the crew members were killed. The fourth boat escaped, as reported by Centcom.
There were no reports of harm to US individuals or equipment.
The leader of the US naval forces in the Middle East stated on Saturday that Houthi rebels continue to launch “reckless” attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, despite the growing number of countries participating in a mission to safeguard vessels in the important waterway and increasing trade traffic.
Source: theguardian.com
