US, allies warn Houthis of consequences for 'unacceptable' attacks in Red Sea

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US, and its allies on Tuesday warned Yemen's Houthi group of the consequences of their "unacceptable" attacks in the Red Sea.

In a joint statement, the US, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, and the UK called for the immediate end of the "illegal attacks" and the release of unlawfully detained vessels and crews.

"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 statement said.

"It added that there is no lawful justification for intentionally targeting civilian shipping and naval vessels.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have significantly stepped up their involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip by targeting vessels in the Southern Red Sea. The group has warned that it will attack all Israel-bound ships. It said the attacks are to support Palestinians as they face Israel's "aggression and siege" in Gaza.

The Red Sea is one of the world's most frequently used sea routes for oil and fuel shipments.

Last month, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the creation of a multinational mission -- Operation Prosperity Guardian -- to counter Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.