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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Jordan King

UK and US launch fresh strikes on Houthis in Yemen

US and British forces carried out a fresh round of strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, three US officials have said.

They used warship- and submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets to take out Houthi missile storage sites and launchers, according to the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

It is the second time the two allies have conducted retaliatory strikes on an array of the rebels' missile-launching capabilities.

The Houthis, who control the most populous parts of Yemen, have claimed their attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians under attack from Israel in Gaza.

The Iran-backed group has disrupted global shipping with its attacks on Red Sea shipping and stoked fears of global inflation.

They have also deepened concern that fallout from the Israel-Hamas war could destabilize the Middle East.

But multiple US strikes over the past month have failed to stop Houthi attacks against shipping.

In the past, the US and British forces have mainly hit Houthi missiles and radar sites.

Container vessels have been pausing or diverting from the Red Sea that leads to the Suez Canal, the fastest freight route from Asia to Europe.

Many ships have been forced to take the longer route via the Cape of Good Hope instead.

It comes after US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke on the phone on Monday.

The White House said the leaders “discussed ongoing Iranian-backed Houthi attacks against merchant and naval vessels transiting the Red Sea".

Both men also reiterated “their commitment to freedom of navigation, international commerce, and defending mariners from illegal and unjustifiable attacks".

"The president and prime minister discussed the importance of increasing humanitarian aid and civilian protections for people in Gaza, and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas,” the spokesperson added.

Downing Street has not yet made any comment.

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