(VOVWORLD) - UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said on Monday that Britain is "willing to take direct action" against Yemen Houthis that target cargo ships in the Red Sea.
 UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps (Photo: AFP/ VNA) |
The warning came after the US Navy sank three boats that had attacked a container ship there. In December, a British destroyer brought down a suspected Houthi attack drone, Shapps said.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the UK and the US will release a joint statement giving the Houthis a final warning to halt further attacks.
In 2014, the Houthis took control of Yemen’s capital Sanaa and now control most of Yemen, including the Red Sea coast.
In a statement of solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza, the Houthis have repeatedly fired drones and missiles at passing ships in the straits through which 12% of global trade passes.