Wed Apr 30 03:22:33 UTC 2025: ## UK and US Launch Joint Airstrikes in Yemen
**Dubai, April 30, 2025** – The United Kingdom and the United States conducted joint airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen early Wednesday, marking the first British involvement in the Trump administration’s intensified campaign against the Iranian-backed group. The UK Defence Ministry stated that the target was a Houthi drone manufacturing facility located south of Sanaa, citing the rebels’ threat to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea as justification. RAF Typhoons dropped Paveway IV bombs on the site, with the strike conducted at night to minimize civilian casualties. While the UK provided a detailed explanation, the US, which has conducted over 800 strikes since March 15th as part of “Operation Rough Rider,” offered limited details.
The joint operation follows recent highly controversial US strikes. On Monday, a US airstrike on a prison holding African migrants resulted in at least 68 deaths and 47 injuries, sparking an ongoing investigation. An earlier strike on April 18th on the Ras Isa fuel port caused at least 74 deaths and 171 injuries, representing the deadliest incident of the campaign so far. The US is conducting the strikes from aircraft carriers in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, targeting the Houthis for their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and on Israel. The strikes have also raised concerns within the US over the Defence Secretary’s use of unclassified messaging apps to share sensitive information. The UK’s involvement in the latest strikes comes amid a 55% drop in Red Sea shipping, causing billions in economic losses and regional instability.
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