The UK is reportedly preparing to launch a wave of airstrikes against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels following attacks on shipping in the Red Sea in what could mark a major escalation of tensions in the Middle East. A Government spokesperson said: “The situation in the Red Sea is incredibly serious, and the Houthi attacks are unacceptable and destabilising. Houthi rebels attacked a container vessel belonging to Danish shipping company Maersk on Saturday evening, prompting the company to pause all sailing through the Red Sea for 48 hours. The US Central Command said the incident was the 23rd illegal attack on international shipping by Iran-backed Houthi rebels since 19 November. Lord David Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, urged Iran to intervene on Sunday as he warned that Houthi attacks in the Red Sea “threaten innocent lives and the global economy”.

Source: The Times December 31, 2023 18:19 UTC