Sunak Is Prepared To Launch More Airstrikes On Houthis

Rishi Sunak has warned that his government remains "prepared to back our words with actions", as Houthi missile attacks continued against ships in the Red Sea despite last week's airstrikes against the rebels in Yemen.

- ADAM FORREST

The prime minister's defiant statement in the Commons yesterday - suggesting he was prepared to sanction further strikes if necessary - came shortly after a missile struck a US-owned ship off the coast of Yemen.

Earlier, defence secretary Grant Shapps said Britain will "wait and see" before deciding to launch any fresh strikes - but also warned that if Houthi attacks don't stop "we will then have to take the decisions that need to be taken".

The US military's central command yesterday confirmed the latest attack - putting the blame on Iran-aligned Houthi rebels. "The ship has reported no injuries or significant damage and is continuing its journey," the central command said.

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which oversees Middle East waters, also reported that missile fire had struck a ship in the Gulf of Aden, about 100 miles southeast of the southern Yemen border.

"As a result of the impact, the vessel suffered limited damage to a cargo hold but is stable and is heading out of the area," the USbased operator Eagle Bulk Shipping said in a statement. There were no reports of injuries or significant damage.