The British bases in Cyprus are expected to play an important role in securing navigation in the Red Sea as US President Joe Biden is now considering strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The British bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia are the hub from which the Royal Air Force (RAF) can and will conduct operations in Yemen, if decided by the 12-nation coalition led by the United States, as part of the Prosperity Guardian operation.
Already, the 12 countries – including Britain – have sent an ultimatum to pro-Iranian rebels to stop attacks in Eritrea, warning of harsh retaliation.
“If they receive the green light from London, the Typhoon aircraft stationed in Cyprus will take off towards the coast of North Yemen to hit targets linked to the Houthi rebels,” European diplomatic sources stated to “Naftemporiki”.
“The British Defense Ministry is evaluating the possibility of ordering airstrikes against the Houthis, as the rebels do not seem to be retreating,” the same sources added.
Moreover, British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps made it clear that London “will not hesitate” to take “immediate measures” to prevent further rebel attacks on merchant ships heading to or from the Suez Canal.
The British Typhoon Fgr Mk. 4 multi-role warships, stationed in Cyprus, can be deployed to carry out raids on predetermined targets off the coast of Yemen. Although in the past Typhoon aircraft were mainly used in interception operations, they can intervene in the event of a Quick Reaction Alert (Qra), after the Tornado bombers are decommissioned. Typhoons can carry GPS/laser-guided “smart bombs” of the Paveway family (II and IV) and Brimstone and Storm Shadow air-to-surface guided missiles.
