Defence Secretary hints at reprisal action against Houthis as drone attacks continue

Iranian-backed Houthi militants may see action taken against them if their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea continue, the Defence Secretary has warned.

Grant Shapps was speaking after HMS Diamond, along with US warships, repelled the largest drone and missile attack by the Houthis to date.

He said he had "no doubt" that Iran was guiding the Houthi assaults against commercial shipping, and said "there will be consequences" if the attacks do not stop.

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When asked about potential military strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in retaliation, he said: "Watch this space."

Mr Shapps said: "We saw this huge attack last night by the Houthi militants, but be in no doubt at all, Iran is guiding what is happening there in the Red Sea.

"Providing them [the Houthis] not just with equipment to carry out those attacks, but also often with the eyes and ears to allow those attacks to happen.

"Enough is enough as far as we're concerned.

"That is an international waterway. It is meant to be the case that everybody has the right to traffic through it and it must be the case that that is maintained."

He added: "If this doesn’t stop, then action will be taken. The simplest thing is to say 'watch this space'."

HMS Diamond shot down multiple attack drones using her Sea Viper missiles and guns.

No injuries or damage was sustained to the Type 45 destroyer or her crew.

The incident is the second time HMS Diamond, which is in the region as part of an international coalition to protect shipping, has fought off Houthi attacks since being deployed to the Red Sea.