More than 60 Houthi rebel targets hit in series of joint RAF-US air strikes in Yemen
RAF Typhoons dropped Paveway IV bombs as joint UK-US strikes overnight hit more than 60 Houthi targets in Yemen.
A senior US Air Force commander said the targets had been engaged across 16 locations, with more than 100 precision-guided munitions of various types being deployed.
"These strikes were comprised of coalition air and maritime strike and support assets from across the region,” said Lieutenant General Alex Grynkewich, who oversees US operations in the Middle East.
Four RAF Typhoons, taking off from RAF Akrotiri and supported by a Voyager air refuelling tanker, deployed Paveway IV laser-guided bombs, weighing 226kg and costing £30,000 each, to conduct precision strikes on two Houthi facilities.
The Ministry of Defence said particular care had been taken to minimise any risk to civilians when planning the strikes - which were described as successful.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, said on X: "Proportionate, professional, precise.
"Due to the threat to innocent lives and global trade, this action was necessary as part of our duty to protect vessels and freedom of navigation."
American aircraft launched from carriers also took part in the strikes, while Tomahawk missiles were fired from ships and a submarine.
The Houthi locations that were hit included command and control nodes, munitions depots and air defence radar systems, the US said.
The UK and US had non-operational support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands.
Number 10 has rejected criticism that the strikes against the Houthis were not proportionate.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the strikes sent a "strong signal" that the militants' attacks in the Red Sea could not be carried out with "impunity".
He insisted the US and UK had acted in self-defence and the allies would not hesitate to ensure the safety of commercial shipping.
A spokeswoman for the PM also rejected claims by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that the UK and US were trying to turn the Red Sea into a "sea of blood".
US President Joe Biden said he would not hesitate to order further measures against Houthi targets in Yemen.
A Houthi military spokesperson said there had been 73 air strikes which had left five of the group's fighters dead and six others wounded.
He warned the attacks would not go without "punishment or retaliation" and the group would continue to target ships heading for Israel.
Experts have warned there is a risk of wider conflict in the region and the promised retaliation by the Iranian-backed group could push Western powers into engaging beyond targeted and contained strikes.
Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer said Labour was "fully supportive" of the strikes and called on the Prime Minister to make a statement as soon as possible.
Mr Sunak is set to make a statement to MPs on Monday about the strikes against the Houthis amid calls for greater consultation in Parliament.
Houthi attacks in the Red Sea increased by 500% between November and December, and earlier this week Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond, which is deployed to the region, shot down seven Houthi attack drones.
The advanced warship took out the drones using her Sea Viper missiles and guns, while US forces shot down a further 11 drones and missiles.
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