UK does not rule out bombings if Houthis attack more ships

NIn an article published today in the Sunday Telegraph, Cameron says that the joint action “will have contributed to degrading the Houthis’ capabilities with Iranian support” and argues that, without action, the Houthis could “virtually close off a vital sea route with relative impunity “.

“If the Houthis deny ships this passage, vital supply chains will be threatened and prices will rise in the UK and around the world,” writes the minister.

According to the former British Prime Minister, the airstrikes “sent an unmistakable message” to the Houthis that the United Kingdom is determined to put an end to the situation in the Red Sea.

“We will work with allies. We will always defend freedom of navigation. And, what is most important, we will be prepared to back up words with actions”, he maintains, remembering that the group attacked ships from countries around the world, “which were heading to destinations all around the world”.

On Thursday night, the UK joined the US in attacking military facilities used by the Houthis in Yemen, in response to the group’s ongoing attacks on one of the most important sea routes for merchant ships.

Many shipping companies have opted in recent weeks not to pass through the Red Sea — a vital transit for trade between Asia and Europe — due to Houthi attacks.

Alternatively, they decided to reach Europe by crossing the southern tip of the African continent, at a huge additional cost, in addition to another 10 days of navigation.

The Houthis threatened retaliation against American and British interests over Thursday’s bombings.

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