Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his oral contribution of 24 January 2024, Official Report, column 352, on what evidential basis he authorised air strikes on the Miraj surface-to-air missile launchers near Sanaa airfield; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of those strikes on shipping in the Red Sea.
Answer
Every mission carried out by RAF aircraft is analysed carefully and informed by robust intelligence.
The eight targets comprised Miraj surface to air missile launchers, which posed a threat to the success of the coalition operation against the military facilities involved in the Houthi anti-shipping campaign.
Our analysis suggests that all of the targets were successfully engaged.