Tel Aviv Tribune’s correspondent said that the UN Security Council will vote on a US draft resolution condemning Houthi attacks on commercial ships, while the United States announced that it had thwarted a major Houthi attack in the Red Sea.
The reporter explained that the draft resolution calls on the Houthis to immediately stop all attacks that hinder global trade, refers to the right of member states to defend their ships from attacks, and urges restraint to avoid further escalation in the Red Sea.
The United States and 11 European and Asian countries issued a joint statement warning the Houthis of the consequences of their continued attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea.
The US State Department stated that the statement was issued by the governments of the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
The statement said, “In light of the continued attacks, including the major escalation over the past week that targeted commercial ships with missiles, small boats, and kidnapping attempts, we warn the Houthis of the consequences of launching further attacks.”
He added, “The Houthis’ continued attacks in the Red Sea are illegal, unacceptable, and lead to significant destabilization.”
The statement continued by saying, “Attacks on ships, including commercial ones, using drones, small boats and missiles, including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles against these ships for the first time, constitute a direct threat to freedom of navigation, which serves as the cornerstone of global trade in one of the world’s largest markets.” The most important waterways in the world.
Houthi attack
The 12 countries said in their statement, “Let our message now be clear: We call for an immediate cessation of these unlawful attacks and the release of ships whose crews are illegally detained, and the Houthis will bear responsibility for the consequences if they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, and the free flow of trade in the region’s vital waterways.” “.
The statement concluded by saying, “We remain committed to the rules-based international order, and are determined to hold malicious actors accountable for unlawful seizures and attacks.”
This statement coincides with an attack carried out by the Houthis, as the US Army Central Command announced that its and British forces shot down 21 drones and missiles launched yesterday, Tuesday, into the southern Red Sea towards international sea lanes.
The US Central Command added that there were no reports of material or human damage, noting that this is the 26th attack launched by the Houthis on commercial shipping lines in the Red Sea since November 19.
It also said that American and British forces shot down 18 drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles, and an anti-ship ballistic missile.
The Houthis had intensified their attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea in protest against the Israeli war in Gaza.
Various shipping companies halted their operations in the Red Sea, shifting them instead to the Cape of Good Hope route around Africa.
America had announced the formation of a multinational coalition in which several countries would participate through joint patrols in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, as part of what was called Operation “Guardian of Prosperity” to confront the threats facing maritime transport ships.
The Houthis have pledged to continue attacks until Israel stops its aggression against the Gaza Strip, and have warned that they will attack American warships if the group itself is targeted.