The UK has sent a warning shot to Yemen and Iran of future military conflict as the British government are “prepared to back words with action.”
The Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron said that the airstrikes conducted by the RAF and the Royal Navy along with the US has sent an “unambiguous message” to the Iranian backed Houthis militants.
The US and UK launched airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in the early hours of Friday and overnight through to Saturday morning the US launched another air campaign against the militants.
The US President Joe Biden said that they have sent a “private message” to Iran following the deadly airstrikes on Houthis bases across Yemen.
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President Biden said, “We delivered it privately and we’re confident we’re well prepared.”
Biden added, “We will make sure that we respond to the Houthis if they continue this outrageous behaviour along with our allies.”
Lord Cameron wrote in the Sunday Telegraph and said that the US and UK action “will have gone some way to degrade Houthi capabilities built up with Iranian backing.”
The Foreign Secretary said that the UK are “determined to put a stop” to the Red Sea attacks which are being carried out by the Houthis militants, and British forces will continue with strikes if they do not stop.
Lord Cameron added, “We will work with allies. We will always defend the freedom of navigation.
“And, crucially, we will be prepared to back words with actions.”
In response over claims the Houthis attacks are due to Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza, he said this is “nonsense.”
The Foreign Secretary said, “They’ve [Houthis] attacked ships from countries all over the world, heading to destinations right across the globe.”
The US and UK have been warned by Houthis military spokesman, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the strikes would “not go unanswered or unpunished.”
Saeed Iravani, Iran’s envoy to the United Nations, appeared to downplay the prospect of any Iranian involvement during an interview with Newsweek.
Iravani said, “While the resistance groups in Iraq and Lebanon are integral to their respective governments, with decisions subject to governmental considerations, Ansarullah stands apart as an independent government possessing national sovereignty.”
He added, “In the aftermath of the recent aggression, within a few hours, millions of Yemeni people took to the streets to express their unwavering support for their government’s policy, concurrently expressing disdain towards America and Israel.
“Considering this significant show of support, it is anticipated that other resistance groups may not recognise the necessity to extend operational assistance to Ansarullah in this critical juncture.
“That is despite the fact that Ansarullah, fortified by the backing of its people and the demonstrated capacity and strength, can defend its nation and its citizens effectively.”
