UK warns willing to take ‘direct action’ over Red Sea attacks – World

LONDON: Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said Monday that Britain is “willing to take direct action” against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen who have repeatedly attacked vessels in the Red Sea.

London’s warning comes amid escalating tensions in the vital shipping lane, with US Navy helicopters firing Sunday on Houthi rebels who attempted to board a cargo ship.

The rebels, who seized…