UK willing to take ‘direct action’ over Red Sea attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen

News Snapshot:

BRITISH DEFENCE SECRETARY Grant Shapps today said Britain is “willing to take direct action” against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen who have repeatedly attacked vessels in the Red Sea. London’s warning comes amid escalating tensions in the vital shipping lane, with US Navy helicopters yesterday firing on Houthi rebels who attempted to board a cargo ship. The rebels, who seized Yemen’s capital Sanaa in 2014 and control much of country including its Red Sea coastline, have reported 10 fighters dead or missing. The Houthis – who say they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza...