The US and UK say the attacks against the Houthis are aimed at “calming down” tensions in the Red Sea

London:

The United States, the United Kingdom and eight allies said on Friday that their joint air strikes against rebel targets in Yemen aim to restore “stability in the Red Sea.”

“Our goal remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea,” the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand and South Korea said in a joint statement.

“But let our message be clear: we will not hesitate to defend lives and ensure the free flow of trade in one of the world’s most important waterways in the face of continuing threats.”

The attacks came after weeks of attacks on ships in the Red Sea by Iranian-backed Houthi forces acting in solidarity with Hamas.

The statement issued by the ten countries said, “The precise strikes aimed to disrupt and weaken the capabilities that the Houthis use to threaten global trade and the lives of international sailors.”

“More than twenty attacks launched by the Houthis on commercial ships since mid-November pose an international challenge.

“Today's action demonstrated a shared commitment to freedom of navigation, international trade and defending the lives of seafarers against unlawful and unprovoked attacks,” he added.

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