Independent MP asks govt for briefing following US and UK strike on Houthis in Yemen

Independent MP Zali Steggall has reached out to the federal government and asked for a briefing on the UK and US strikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The US and the UK mounted a series of attacks on the Houthi rebels, who have been causing serious disruption in the Red Sea. Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed that Australia did provide operational military personnel. “I am cautious in respect to this, and I’m asking the government for more information on it because I am concerned,” Ms Steggall told Sky News Australia. “I don’t want to see an escalation of conflict at this time.”