UK joins US forces in Yemen conflict

British fighter jets joined US forces overnight in airstrikes targeting Yemen’s Houthi rebels, the Guardian reported on April 30th.

This marks the Labour government’s first authorised military action since taking office and the UK’s involvement in a US-led bombing campaign.

RAF Typhoons, supported by Voyager tankers, struck buildings 15 miles south of Yemen’s capital Sana’a. UK officials said the targeted buildings manufactured drones for attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Defence Secretary John Healey described the operation as a response to “a persistent threat from the Houthis to freedom of navigation,” citing a 55% drop in Red Sea shipping traffic and broader regional instability. “This has already cost billions, fuelling regional instability and risking economic security for families in the UK,” Healey said on X.

The strike was part of an intensified American campaign, Operation Rough Rider, which began in March. According to US Central Command, roughly 800 Houthi targets have been hit so far, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of fighters and multiple leaders. Civilian casualties have also risen. It was reported that 68 people killed in a strike on a Saada detention centre holding African migrants and at least 80 more in an attack on Ras Isa port in April.

According to RTE on April 28th, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the organisation was “deeply alarmed” by the reported strikes and urged “all parties” to safeguard civilians.

The UK Ministry of Defence said its mission was carried out with Paveway IV missiles after “very careful planning,” and that it was conducted at night to minimise civilian harm. No official damage assessment has yet been released.

While the UK reiterated its intent to reduce civilian risk, the US approach under Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has drawn criticism. Hegseth, who has championed a “lethality-first” strategy, recently cut programmes designed to mitigate civilian harm, and has come under scrutiny for sharing operational details on Signal with a group that included a journalist.

At a press conference in the Philippines, Hegseth defended the military campaign, emphasising its precision and impact. “I’m quite proud of what our forces in Centcom did on that initial and very effective and devastating strikes in the ongoing campaign we are undertaking,” he said, The National reported on March 28th.

The Houthis, who have controlled Sana’a since 2014, say they are targeting international shipping in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s renewed offensive in Gaza.

The Guardian, RTE, The National