The United States and a coalition of 12 allied nations have issued a stern ultimatum to Houthi rebels, warning of potential military action if attacks on vessels in the Red Sea persist.
At least 23 assaults have been attributed to the Yemen-based militants since December 19, a response purportedly linked to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
A senior Biden administration official, speaking anonymously as per White House regulations, emphasized that the Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, should not anticipate further warnings from the United States and its coalition partners.
This comes in the wake of a joint statement condemning the attacks and emphasizing strained international patience, signed by countries including the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and others.
The coalition’s message is explicit an immediate cessation of these illegal attacks is demanded, alongside the release of unlawfully detained vessels and crews. The Houthis warned the nations, will bear the responsibility for any continued threats to lives, the global economy, or the free flow of commerce in critical waterways.
United States Engagement with Houthi Rebels
The attacks, purportedly aimed at ships heading to Israeli ports or linked to Israel, have targeted commercial vessels transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key link between Asian and European markets.
Operation Prosperity Guardian, led by the US and its allies, aims to safeguard shipping traffic in the region.
Recent events saw United States helicopters engaging Houthi rebels in the Red Sea following an attack on a cargo ship, resulting in the sinking of three boats and casualties among the attackers. These clashes escalated amid escalating tensions, as Houthi ballistic missiles and explosive drones were intercepted by United States ships.
While President Biden aims to prevent further escalation in the three-month war between Israel and Hamas, the US and its allies remain steadfast in their stance against actions impacting global commerce.
The official stressed the importance of any potential action against the Houthis being smartly executed, steering clear of deepening entanglements with Iran and its proxy Hamas, amid recent US airstrikes on Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq.
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