Defence Secretary writes letter praising military after strikes against Houthis
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has praised the work of the Armed Forces in response to attacks carried out by Houthi rebels.
In a letter written by Mr Shapps, he highlighted the professionalism of the services involved in the air strikes against the Irainian-backed group in Yemen that is responsible for attacking ships in the Red Sea.
"The operation was conducted with the dedication and skill that are the hallmark of the Royal Air Force," said Mr Shapps in his letter to the Armed Forces that was published in the Daily Express.
"I am grateful to all those supporting this operation by air, sea and land – including our civil servants and diplomats – who made the operation a great success," he wrote.
"Your professionalism is noted by the whole nation with pride."
Four RAF Typhoons, taking off from RAF Akrotiri and supported by a Voyager air refuelling tanker, deployed Paveway IV laser-guided bombs to conduct precision strikes on two Houthi facilities on Thursday night.
Mr Shapps said the proportional action followed "the unprecedented attack against HMS Diamond and allied forces on 9 January, and as a result of continued illegal, dangerous and destabilising Houthi attacks risking lives at sea and threatening freedom of navigation and flow of trade".
"The past days have showcased the sense of purpose, strength and expertise across Defence," he wrote.
"As we start 2024 in a more challenging and dangerous world, we will need to draw on this even more. I have total trust that Defence will rise to the task.
"My thanks and congratulations to you all."
Writing on X, Mr Shapps added: "We owe a debt of gratitude to every member of the Armed Forces and especially those who took part in last week's strikes."
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