The United States, spearheading a coalition of nations, has issued a strong warning to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, urging an immediate halt to attacks on Red Sea shipping vessels. The White House released a statement, joined by 12 signatory countries, including the UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, and Bahrain.
The statement emphasised the need to end illegal attacks and release unlawfully detained vessels and crews, cautioning the Houthis of grave consequences should they continue to jeopardise lives, the global economy, and commerce in critical waterways.
Amid reports suggesting potential direct strikes by the Biden administration if attacks persist, the Houthis have justified their actions as solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, targeting ships linked to Israel.
The US has deployed the USS Dwight D Eisenhower aircraft carrier to the region and announced a coalition to safeguard Red Sea movement, vital for 12 percent of global trade. Earlier, the Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack on the CMA CGM TAGE, a merchant vessel in the Red Sea, with the coalition’s warning signaling heightened tensions in the strategically significant waterway.
