US and UK prepare to launch strikes against Houthi rebels following Red Sea attacks

The Houthi rebel leader said on Thursday that if struck the group would fight back, suggesting any conflict in the Red Sea would be extended. Photograph: Sayed Hassan/Getty Britain and the US are poised to launch strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen, as the leader of the rebel group promises to respond to any assault with fresh attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Western defence sources indicated preparations were intensifying on Thursday in response to a Houthi attack of 21 missiles and drones aimed at US and UK warships on Tuesday night, although its scale and timing remain…