Nations threaten ‘consequences’ for attacks on commercial vessels

The US, Britain, Bahrain and other nations have demanded that the Houthis halt their attacks in the Red Sea, warning of “consequences” if the Yemeni rebels continue their “destabilising” actions.

“Let our message now be clear: We call for the immediate end of these illegal attacks and release of unlawfully detained vessels and crews,” a joint statement released by the White House read.

“The Houthis will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy and free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways.” A senior US official said that they “would not anticipate another warning” if the Houthis launched another attack, but declined to answer if the coalition would launch a pre-emptive attack.

The joint statement was also signed by the governments of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany and Italy, as well as Japan, the Netherlands

and New Zealand. As part of their pressure campaign over the war in Gaza, the Iranbacked Houthis, who are allied with Palestinian militant group Hamas, have threatened to prevent any Israel-bound ships from sailing through the economically vital Red Sea.

The US official said Washington “will act very forcefully when it comes to any threats against our people or our interests,” but added “we’re also going to do so in a very smart way that does not potentially play into the hands of some of these proxy groups”.

The UN Security Council met on Wednesday to discuss the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea

“The threat to navigational rights and freedoms in the Red Sea is a global challenge and necessitates a global response,” US ambassador and deputy permanent representative Chris Lu said.

International Maritime Organisation chief Arsenio Dominguez said the Houthis were not limiting their attacks to ships connected to Israel.

“Attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea area are not acceptable,” he added.