Sunak says UK acted in self defence as air strikes launched on Houthi targets

Rishi Sunak has said the UK’s launch of air strikes on targets linked to Houthi rebels based in Yemen, alongside the US, are an act of self-defence to stop attacks on ships travelling through the Red Sea.

The RAF and US Air Force launched targeted strikes against military facilities used by Houthi rebels in Yemen, with explosions heard in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa in the early hours of Friday local time. Blasts were also heard in Taiz, a southwestern city near the Red Sea. 

Mr Sunak said the UK had taken “limited, necessary and proportionate action in self-defence, alongside the United States” and allies to “degrade Houthi military capabilities and protect global shipping”.

Follow i’s liveblog for the latest updates