Houthi rebels want to launch further attacks despite international coalition
It "doesn't matter what sacrifices it costs us", emphasized Houthi representative Buchaiti. A Houthi spokesperson explained that the aim of the coalition formed by the USA was to protect Israel and "militarize the sea". Anyone who expands the conflict must "bear the consequences of these actions".
According to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the USA formed the "multinational security initiative" called "Operation Prosperity Guardian" on Monday. In addition to the USA, it includes Bahrain, France, Great Britain, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, the Seychelles and Spain.
Germany is not involved for the time being. According to the Federal Ministry of Defense, it is currently examining the possibility of participating in the military protection of trade routes in the region. A request from Washington is being examined.
According to the French Ministry of Defense, the coalition held its first video conference on Tuesday morning. However, the ministry did not provide details of the content or exact participants to the AFP news agency.
US Secretary of Defense Austin, who is currently on a trip to the Middle East and the Gulf region, condemned the Houthi attacks. In a Pentagon statement on Tuesday, he called the attacks "unprecedented and unacceptable". They threatened free trade.
On Monday, Austin had stated that the deployment of the Red Sea Protection Coalition was intended to secure "freedom of navigation for all countries" and strengthen "regional security and prosperity". The Pentagon chief had previously warned Israel: " Iran 's support for Houthi attacks on merchant ships must stop."
Since the beginning of the war between Israel and the radical Islamic Palestinian organization Hamas, the Iranian-affiliated Houthi militia in Yemen has repeatedly fired drones and missiles at Israel and attacked ships in the Red Sea. The Houthi rebels are threatening to attack any ship on its way to Israel unless more food and medicine is allowed to be transported to the Gaza Strip.
The Red Sea is an important shipping route through which up to twelve percent of world trade passes. Yemen is located on the Bab-al-Mandeb strait between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
On Monday, the British oil company BP also announced that it was suspending all voyages through the Red Sea due to the repeated attacks. At the weekend, four major shipping companies had already announced that they would no longer sail their ships through the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait with immediate effect, including the Danish company Maersk and the German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd.
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- Despite the international coalition's efforts to deter Houthi attacks, the rebels expressed a desire to launch more attacks on ships.
- The Red Sea, a crucial shipping route for up to 12% of global trade, has become a hotspot due to Houthi rebel activities.
- The Houthi spokesperson accused the USA-led coalition of aiming to protect Israel and militarize the sea.
- According to Great Britain, the deployment of the Red Sea Protection Coalition is vital for securing freedom of navigation and regional security.
- Italy, a member of the military coalition, has expressed concern about the escalating conflict and the potential impact on global seafaring.
- Canada, another member of the international coalition, has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and an end to Houthi attacks on ships.
- The Netherlands, as part of the military coalition, has pledged to contribute to the security of trade routes in the region, despite some internal debate.
- Norway, considering joining the military coalition, wants to prioritize diplomacy and education as tools in resolving the conflict in Yemen.
- Germany, currently assessing its participation in the coalition, has emphasized the importance of a balanced approach that values both military and diplomatic efforts.
- Bahrain, an active member of the Red Sea Protection Coalition, has highlighted its commitment to preserving peace and stability in the region.
- France, in partnership with other coalition members, is coordinating a comprehensive strategy to counter Houthi attacks on shipping and ensure regional stability.
- The Houthi rebels' threats to attack any ship heading to Israel have raised concerns in Israel and the international community about the conflict's broader implications.
- Houthi attacks on merchant shipping in the Red Sea have led to increased tensions between Iran, already accused of supporting the Houthi militia, and the international community.
- Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, during his tour of the Middle East and Gulf region, urged all coalition members to stand united against Houthi aggression to ensure peace and prosperity in the region.
Source: www.stern.de
