In a joint statement led by the United States, twelve nations have issued a warning to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, urging them to cease attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea. The White House released the statement, calling for an immediate end to the “illegal attacks” and the release of unlawfully detained vessels and crews.
The message emphasizes the gravity of the situation, stating that the Houthi rebels will bear the responsibility for unspecified consequences if they persist in threatening lives, the global economy, and the free flow of commerce in the critical waterways of the region.
Reports suggest that President Joe Biden’s administration is contemplating direct strikes on the rebels if the attacks continue. This comes on the heels of a warning issued by Britain earlier in the week, expressing the possibility of “direct action” against the Huthis. Signatories of the joint statement include Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, and the only regional country, Bahrain.
Bahrain, a tiny Gulf state with tense relations with Iran, is the only regional signatory. Iran supports the Houthi rebels, and the region’s geopolitical complexities are further highlighted by Bahrain’s involvement in the coalition.
The Houthi rebels claim to be acting in solidarity with Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, targeting ships with links to Israel. The United States has responded by sending the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower to the area and announcing a coalition of countries to safeguard movement in the Red Sea, a critical waterway through which 12% of global trade passes. The situation remains tense, with the international community closely monitoring developments in the region.
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