UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Monday that US/UK coordinated strikes against the Houthis in Yemen were unrelated to Israel's war on Gaza.
Speaking in parliament, Sunak added that the strikes were an act of self-defense and that the UK continues to “work hard for a sustainable ceasefire” in Gaza.
The UK participated in US-led air strikes across Yemen against Houthi forces last week after the Iran-aligned militia group attacked commercial carriers in the Red Sea reportedly bound for Israel or linked to Israel, in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Since the strikes last week, Houthi militants on Sunday fired an anti-ship cruise missile towards a US destroyer in the southern region of the Red Sea, which was shot down by a US fighter jet.
Sunak also vowed to “back our words with actions” on US/UK attacks targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen, should they continue to damage this key trade route through the Red Sea.
