UK and US launch airstrikes on Houthi rebel targets in Yemen – latest news

The UK and US have carried out air strikes against Houthi rebel targets in Yemen.

Rishi Sunak stressed the action, approved by the Cabinet in an emergency call and coming after weeks of tensions in Red Sea, was ‘limited, necessary and proportionate… in self-defence’.

The US Air Force sad American and British forces struck more than 60 targets in 16 locations, including logistical hubs, air defence systems and weapons storage locations.

Joe Biden said Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands also provided support.

The US President said: ‘These strikes are in direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea – including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time in history.

‘These attacks have endangered US personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardised trade, and threatened freedom of navigation.’

The rebels, who have carried out 27 attacks involving dozens of drones and missiles just since November 19, had warned that any attack by American forces on its sites in Yemen will spark a fierce military response.