On Houthis Attacks

A Joint Statement has been issued by the United States in collaboration with Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, condemning the attacks perpetrated by the Houthis in the Red Sea. The statement strongly denounces the ongoing illegal and destabilizing nature of these Houthi attacks, particularly emphasizing the lack of lawful justification for intentionally targeting civilian shipping and naval vessels. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles, small boats, and missiles, including the unprecedented deployment of anti-ship ballistic missiles, poses a direct threat to the freedom of navigation, which is fundamental to global trade.

The statement highlights key impact data, underscoring that nearly 15 percent of global seaborne trade traverses the Red Sea. This includes 8 percent of the global grain trade, 12 percent of seaborne-traded oil, and 8 percent of the world's liquefied natural gas trade. The collaborative effort of the 12 countries, supported by the UN Security Council and 44 other nations, calls for an immediate cessation of these illegal attacks. Furthermore, the statement demands the release of unlawfully detained vessels and crews.

Emphasizing that the Houthis will bear the responsibility for any consequences resulting from their continued threats to lives, the global economy, and the free flow of commerce in critical regional waterways, the Joint Statement reiterates the commitment to the international rules-based order. The signatory nations express their determination to hold malign actors accountable for unlawful seizures and attacks, reinforcing their dedication to maintaining stability in the face of such threats.