Main content

Who are the Houthis and why are the US and UK bombing them?

UK and US launch airstrikes on sites used by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen.

Today, we look at why the UK and US have launched airstrikes on Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the strikes were "necessary and proportionate" to protect the global shipping routes in response to a series of attacks by the Houthis on commercial ships in the Red Sea. The Houthis say they have been supporting Hamas by targeting ships on route to Israel.

Meanwhile, the UK have announced a 拢2.5bn aid package to Ukraine with Rishi Sunak visiting Kyiv. This weekend also marks one of the first big elections of the year as people go to the polls in Taiwan, with China closely watching the result.

Adam talks to Sophia Gaston, head of foreign policy at the Policy Exchange and Sir Mark Lyall Grant, former permanent representative of the UK to the UN. They are also joined by the former NATO commander, Rear Admiral Dr Christopher Parry.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere

Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the 大象传媒. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Bella Saltiel and Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The senior news editors are Jonathan Aspinwall and Sam Bonham.

Release date:

Available now

34 minutes

Featured

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • .

Podcast