UK rejoins Yemen conflict with airstrikes amid intensified US offensive on Houthis

Department of Research, Studies and International News 30-04-2025

In a significant escalation of Western military involvement in Yemen, British warplanes launched targeted airstrikes against Houthi rebel infrastructure, marking the United Kingdom’s first direct military action in Yemen under the current Labour government. The operation also represents Britain’s renewed alignment with the United States in its expanding campaign against the Iran-aligned group.

According to the UK Ministry of Defence, Royal Air Force Typhoon jets, supported by Voyager refuelling aircraft, conducted a nighttime strike on facilities located roughly 15 miles south of Sana’a, Yemen’s capital. British officials stated that the site was being used to assemble and deploy unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), which have been utilized by the Houthis to disrupt maritime traffic in both the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Defence Secretary John Healey justified the mission as a necessary response to ongoing threats posed by the Houthis to global trade routes. “The persistent attacks on international shipping have resulted in a 55% decrease in Red Sea maritime activity, which has already inflicted economic costs and heightened regional instability,” Healey wrote on social media.

The overnight operation follows months of limited UK involvement in earlier joint airstrikes with the US, conducted between January and May 2024. However, this marks the first time British forces have engaged in the more aggressive phase of the campaign, which has escalated significantly since the start of “Operation Rough Rider” on 15 March, now under the direction of the Trump administration.

Since its inception, Operation Rough Rider has seen U.S. forces carry out over 800 strikes targeting Houthi infrastructure, reportedly killing hundreds of fighters and several senior figures within the group. The American-led campaign has drawn criticism, however, for its apparent increase in civilian casualties. Notably, a strike in Saada earlier this week reportedly killed 68 people housed in a migrant detention centre, and another attack on Ras Isa port on 18 April allegedly claimed the lives of 80 civilians.

Annie Shiel, Director of the U.S. Center for Civilians in Conflict, expressed concern over these developments, questioning the adherence of the operation to international humanitarian standards. “The growing number of non-combatant deaths raises serious questions about compliance with both U.S. military policy and international law,” she stated. Shiel also suggested that the Trump administration may have shifted away from previously established safeguards meant to protect civilians.

In contrast, the British government maintained that its own strike was carried out with stringent precautions. The Ministry of Defence reported that the selected targets were hit using precision-guided Paveway IV missiles following comprehensive planning to minimize the risk of civilian harm. Officials emphasized that the attack occurred at night to reduce the likelihood of civilians being present in the area.

Despite these assurances, there has been no immediate damage assessment released by UK authorities, and little commentary has come from Washington following the strike. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has previously made headlines by prioritizing combat strength, stating his focus would be on “lethality” and cutting back programs aimed at reducing civilian casualties.

Yemeni media aligned with the Houthis confirmed that multiple strikes were carried out near Sana’a and Saada, although details remain scarce. The group has held Sana’a since 2014 and has steadily increased its military capabilities over the years.

The Houthis continue to target commercial vessels navigating through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, claiming the attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians amid renewed Israeli military actions in Gaza. Despite overwhelming American firepower, the Houthis have managed to cause occasional disruptions. On Tuesday, the U.S. military confirmed the loss of a $60 million F-18 Super Hornet jet in the Red Sea. Early reports suggest the aircraft was lost during a rapid maneuver by the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier to evade Houthi missile fire.

Controversy has also surrounded the U.S. administration’s handling of sensitive military operations. Secretary Hegseth reportedly disclosed classified operational details through the Signal messaging app, including to a group that contained at least one journalist, raising questions about operational security.

The renewed British involvement signals a coordinated Western push to suppress Houthi capabilities, as maritime security in the region becomes increasingly volatile. While military officials assert the strikes are defensive in nature, humanitarian groups continue to urge caution, emphasizing the risks to civilian lives and regional stability.