ISTANBUL

The British Royal Air Force carried out targeted strikes on Houthi military facilities in Yemen early Friday, according to a statement.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that despite international warnings, the Houthis have continued to carry out attacks in the Red Sea, including against British and American warships just this week.

"This cannot stand. The United Kingdom will always stand up for freedom of navigation and the free flow of trade," he said.

"We have therefore taken limited, necessary and proportionate action in self-defense, alongside the United States with non-operational support from the Netherlands, Canada and Bahrain against targets tied to these attacks, to degrade Houthi military capabilities and protect global shipping," he added.

The Houthis have carried out 27 attacks on international shipping since Nov. 19, the US military said earlier in the day.

They have targeted vessels in the southern Red Sea and warned that they will attack all Israeli-bound ships. They said the attacks are meant to support Palestinians as they face Israel's "aggression and siege" in Gaza.

The Red Sea is one of the world's most frequently used routes for oil and fuel shipments.

Last month, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the creation of a multinational mission to counter Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.