Maritime terrorism continues: The Houthi rebel organization responded today (Tuesday) to the US announcement of the establishment of a global force to ensure freedom of movement in the Red Sea, threatening that the move will not change their conduct.
"Our position regarding the Palestinian issue will not change, whether a naval force is established or not," said the Houthis' spokesman, Mohammed Abdul Salam. According to him, "Yemen's naval operations are intended to support the Palestinian people in dealing with the siege and aggression. Even if the US succeeds in mobilizing the whole world, we will not stop our operations - unless the genocide in Gaza stops."
A-Salam added and claimed that "the shipping lanes near Yemen are safe for all ships, except for those of Israel or ships that make their way to Israel." Despite his words, last night it was reported that several foreign-owned ships that were not on their way to Israel were attacked near Yemen.
As mentioned, last night American Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced the establishment of a global force against the Houthi threat that will ensure freedom of movement in the Red Sea. The new force will include the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain, to jointly face the security challenges in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with the aim of ensuring freedom of movement for all countries and strengthening regional security and prosperity.
In a statement he published, it was stated that "the latest escalation in the reckless Houthi attacks threatens the free flow of commerce, endangers innocent seafarers and violates international law. The Red Sea is a critical waterway that was essential to freedom of navigation and a major commercial corridor that facilitates international trade. Countries that strive to maintain the basic principle of freedom of navigation must unite to face the challenge."
"This is an international challenge that requires collective action," Austin said. "Accordingly, I am announcing today the establishment of a major multinational security initiative under the umbrella of the Combined Maritime Forces and its leadership of Task Force 153, focused on security in the Red Sea.