Britain and eleven of its allies have issued a final warning to Houthi rebels, urging them to stop their attacks in the Red Sea or face the consequences. In a joint statement, these countries, including the US, condemned the assaults on cargo ships as illegal, unacceptable, and profoundly destabilizing. They did not specify the exact military action that would be taken against the Iranian-backed militants if they continue targeting vessels, but reports suggest that air strikes could be on the table.

The Warning

The statement released by the twelve nations called for an immediate end to the illegal attacks and the release of unlawfully detained vessels and crews. It further stated that the Houthis would bear the responsibility for the consequences, which could endanger lives, the global economy, and the free flow of commerce in the region's critical waterways.

A Direct Threat to Navigation

The joint statement emphasized that the Houthis pose a direct threat to the freedom of navigation, which is vital for global trade in one of the world's most critical waterways. These attacks not only endanger innocent lives but also create a significant international problem that requires collective action.

Impact on Shipping

Due to the recent wave of attempted hijackings and attacks using small boats and ballistic missiles, several companies have suspended shipping through the Red Sea. This has forced ships to take longer routes around the Cape of Africa, resulting in delays, increased costs, and potential disruptions to the movement of critical food supplies.

United Front

Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and United States all signed the joint statement, demonstrating a united front against the Houthi rebels. UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak affirmed that the UK will always take action to defend the freedom of navigation and called on the Houthis to end their deadly and destabilizing attacks.