News of War Staff Writer
LONDON - It is anticipated that Britain will join the United States in launching air strikes against military positions held by the Houthis in Yemen, who are supported by Iran, "within hours", according to the Times newspaper's political editor on Thursday.
Downing Street, the office of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, did not provide a comment when requested by Reuters, and the U.S. typically refrains from discussing potential future military operations.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby stated on Thursday, "The Houthis need to stop these attacks... they will bear the consequences for any failure to do so."
Earlier on Thursday, Sunak informed his cabinet ministers about the upcoming military intervention, as reported by the Times.
Additionally, British media has reported that other political figures, such as Keir Starmer, the leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, and the speaker of the House of Commons, have received briefings from the government.
In response to Israel's conflict in Gaza, the Houthi militants in Yemen, backed by Iran, have intensified their attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. As a result, several shipping companies have halted their operations, opting instead for the lengthier route around Africa.
The U.S. military reported that the Houthis executed their 27th attack on shipping since Nov. 19 earlier on Thursday, launching an anti-ship ballistic missile into the Gulf of Aden's international shipping lanes.
Earlier in the week, U.S. and British naval forces intercepted drones and missiles launched by the Houthis towards the southern Red Sea.
The Houthis, who control a large portion of Yemen following a civil war, have pledged to target vessels associated with Israel or destined for Israeli ports. However, many of the ships they have attacked have not been linked to Israel.