UK fighter jets join US in airstrikes on rebel drone-building facility

File image of aftermath of a US airstrike on Yemen (Image: Getty)

British fighter jets joined US forces in strikes against the Houthis in Yemen for the first time since Donald Trump returned to the White House. Buildings used by the Iranian-backed rebels to build drones to attack ships in the region were targeted in the strikes on Tuesday, the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Defence Secretary John Healey said: "We conducted these strikes, supported by the US, to degrade Houthi capabilities and prevent further attacks against UK and International shipping.

"This action was taken in response to a persistent threat from the Houthis to freedom of navigation. A 55% drop in shipping through the Red Sea has already cost billions, fuelling regional instability and risking economic security for families in the UK.

RAF Typhoons were used in the operation (Image: Getty)

"The Government is steadfast in our commitment to reinforcing global stability and protecting British working people. I am proud of the dedication and professionalism shown by the service men and women involved in this operation."

Royal Air Force Typhoons, supported by Voyager tankers, used Paveway IV precision guided bombs to target “a number” of buildings 15 miles south of Yemen’s capital Sanaa.

The strike was carried out after dark and the MoD provided no information on the damage done or whether it believed anyone had been killed.

The Houthis reported several strikes around Sanaa, which it has held since 2014.

The UK has carried out a number of strikes on the Houthis since the rebels began the attacks on international shipping in November 2023 - the rebels claim the attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians and Hamas in the conflict with Israel.

However, Tuesday’s strikes are the first since the US launched a new, intense campaign on the group earlier this year after they threatened to target shipping again.

The US has carried out more than 800 strikes since the campaign started on March 15, which also aims to put pressure on Iran over nuclear talks.

American strikes on the Houthis are being carried out from two aircraft carriers in the region.

Tuesday’s attack came a day after an American jet fell from the deck of USS Harry S Truman as the ship reportedly made an emergency manoeuvre to evade a Houthi missile.

It also follows an alleged US airstrike on Monday that hit a prison holding African migrants, killing at least 68 people and wounding 47 others. The US military said it was investigating.