Houthis warned of consequences if attacks continue

A group of 12 states – Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK and the US – issued a formal warning to the Houthis, reported BBC.

They have called for immediate end to attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea

They said the attacks are “illegal, unacceptable, and profoundly destabilising” and said there was “no lawful justification for intentionally targeting civilian shipping and naval vessels”.

They said the attacks posed “direct threat to freedom of navigation” in the critical waterway through which almost 15% of global trade passes.”

The US and British warships have been intercepting missiles from Yemen but if the Houthis do not back off, the US and British would consider launching attacks on targets in Yemen.

The Houthis declared support for Hamas and attacked ships they believe are Israeli ships.

Over 20 attacks have been launched since November.

A major concern is that these attacks would lead to oil price hike and disruption in supply chain.

Around 20% of world container ships are avoiding the Red Sea ever since the attacks began in November.

In a related development, the United Nations Security Council unanimously condemned the Houthi attacks and warned against conflict escalation.