WASHINGTON. The United States, along with 12 allied nations, issued a stern ultimatum on Wednesday to Houthi rebels, demanding an immediate halt to their attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. Failure to comply could result in targeted military action against the Iran-backed militants. The warning comes after at least 23 attacks by the Yemen-based Houthis since December 19, in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
A senior Biden administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, emphasized that the Houthi rebels should not expect another warning from the US and its allies. The official declined to provide specific details on rules of engagement if attacks persist but stressed the seriousness of the situation.
The joint statement, signed by the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, condemned the attacks and highlighted strained international patience. Additionally, the United States called on the United Nations Security Council to take action against the Houthis and issued a warning to their supporter, Iran, regarding its continued support for the rebels.
“We call for the immediate end of these illegal attacks and release of unlawfully detained vessels and crews,” the joint statement declared. “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.”
The Houthis claim their attacks are in response to ships either linked to Israel or heading to Israeli ports. However, as the attacks persist, the connections to the targeted ships and the Israeli conflict have become more tenuous.
Operation Prosperity Guardian, formed by the US and its allies to protect ship traffic, has warships from the United States, France, and the United Kingdom currently patrolling the area. Recent incidents include US helicopters opening fire on Houthi rebels after they attacked a cargo ship in the Red Sea, resulting in casualties among the rebels.
President Joe Biden, seeking to prevent the Israel-Hamas conflict from escalating regionally, emphasized that the US and its allies would respond similarly to any malign action impacting global commerce. The official stated that any potential action against the Houthis would be executed smartly to avoid deepening tensions with Iran and its proxy groups.
At the United Nations, the US deputy ambassador, Christopher Lu, highlighted that without Iranian support, the Houthis would struggle to effectively track and strike commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The warning to the Houthis follows recent US airstrikes against Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq. The Biden administration remains committed to defending its interests and partners while maintaining the free flow of international commerce in the region.
News update: Houthi-Controlled USV Approaches U.S. Navy and Commercial Vessels in Red Sea
Updated 5:27 AM GMT+8, January 5, 2024
An armed unmanned surface vessel (USV) launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen approached within a “couple of miles” of U.S. Navy and commercial vessels in the Red Sea before detonating on Thursday. This occurred just hours after the White House, along with several partner nations, issued a final warning to the Iran-backed Houthi militia group, urging them to cease such attacks or face potential military action.
Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Navy operations in the Middle East, stated that it was the first time the Houthis had employed an unmanned surface vessel (USV) since their harassment of commercial ships in the Red Sea began following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. However, they have utilized such vessels in previous years.
Fabian Hinz, a missile expert and research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, highlighted that USVs are a significant component of the Houthi maritime arsenal. These vessels were employed in previous conflicts against the Saudi coalition forces that intervened in Yemen’s war, functioning as suicide drone boats that explode upon impact. The incident raises concerns about the evolving tactics employed by the Houthi rebels in the region.
(With inputs from agencies).
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
