RAF jets attacked a drone manufacturing facility in Yemen

On Tuesday night RAF jets attacked a drone manufacturing facility in Yemen, this is the first military strike since Labour entered Downing Street.

The Defence Secretary John Healey said the strike was in response to the Iranian backed Houthi rebel group threatening shipping in the Red Sea.

Healey added that the Houthi rebel group are causing “regional instability and risking economic security for families in the UK.”

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that “intelligence analysis” found buildings which was used by the Houthis to make drones close to the capital, Sanaa.

The Royal Air Force deployed Typhoon FGR4s that use Paveway IV precision bombs.

Healey said, “This Government will always act in the interests of our national and economic security.

“Royal Air Force Typhoons have successfully conducted strikes against a Houthi military target in Yemen and all UK aircraft and personnel have returned safely to base.

“We conducted these strikes, supported by the US, to degrade Houthi capabilities and prevent further attacks against UK and international shipping.

“This action was taken in response to a persistent threat from the Houthis to freedom of navigation.

“A 55% drop in shipping through the Red Sea has already cost billions, fuelling regional instability and risking economic security for families in the UK.

“The Government is steadfast in our commitment to reinforcing global stability and protecting British working people.

“I am proud of the dedication and professionalism shown by the servicemen and women involved in this operation.”

The Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said, “The Conservative government carried out multiple rounds of air strikes to degrade the Houthis’ capabilities and protect freedom of navigation and international shipping.

“We support a continuation of this approach, working jointly with the US.

“There remains no justification whatsoever for the Houthis’ reckless and dangerous actions.”