UK and US special forces hunt Mercer Street attackers in Yemen

The UK’s Daily Express newspaper reports that a team of UK and US special forces have been deployed in Yemen to hunt Iranian-backed Houthi militants who are alleged to have conducted last week’s drone attack on the tanker, Mercer Street.

The story has not been previously reported and could not be immediately confirmed, but one UK defence official told the outlet that “everything points to the drone being launched from Yemen” and that “the concern now is that an extended range drone will give them a new capability.”

In an unusual joint statement, the G7 condemned the attack and laid the blame at Iran’s feet: “This was a deliberate and targeted attack, and a clear violation of international law. All available evidence clearly points to Iran,” the group said.

“Iran’s behaviour, alongside its support to proxy forces and non-state armed actors, threatens international peace and security. We call on Iran to stop all activities inconsistent with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and call on all parties to play a constructive role in fostering regional stability and peace.”