U.S. Discusses "Collective Action" with U.K., Netherlands Against Houti Red Sea Attacks

In response to escalating Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III engaged in discussions on December 30 with counterparts from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

Both Secretary Austin and U.K. Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps, as well as Dutch Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren, condemned the attacks as violations of international law, threatening citizens and destabilizing global commerce.

The officials emphasized the urgent need for collective action, highlighting the severe impact of these attacks on the movement of essential goods and humanitarian aid worldwide. Secretary Austin stressed that the situation demands a united international response to ensure the safety and security of maritime activities in the Red Sea.

The discussions set the stage for potential joint actions to counter the Houthi threat and maintain stability in the region.

Yemen Laments the Loss 10 Navy Men in U.S. attack

Brigadier General Yahya Sare'e, spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces, confirmed the death of 10 members of the Yemeni Navy due to American aggression. He warned of consequences and emphasized Yemen's commitment to supporting Palestine, urging nations to avoid aligning with the U.S.

The Armed Forces executed a successful operation targeting the Maersk Hangzhou container ship bound for occupied Palestine, reaffirming their stance against Israeli vessels. They advised nations against supporting American plans in the Red Sea, emphasizing readiness to counter aggression. Yemen called on the people to stay vigilant amid potential American escalation in favor of the Zionist entity.

The Armed Forces warned the U.S. and its allies against escalation, expressing unwavering support for Palestine despite ongoing challenges. Yemen openly backs Palestine in its struggle against Israeli occupation, conducting attacks on suspected Israeli-associated ships near Yemeni ports.

Denmark’s Maersk Shipping Line to return to Red Sea despite Houthi threats

Maersk, a major global shipping company, announced on Sunday its decision to resume Red Sea operations despite Houthi threats.

The Danish company welcomed the initiation of Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG), a multinational security initiative, enabling maritime commerce in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. This development allows vessels to transit through the Red Sea, utilizing the Suez Canal for Asia-Europe trade.

Maersk is actively preparing for the first vessels to resume transit, benefiting global trade functionality. OPG, a U.S.-led coalition, safeguards shipping in the Red Sea. Houthi threats, originating from Yemen's coast, have targeted ships in the Bab el-Mandeb Straits, a critical chokepoint for world oil transport from the Indian Ocean to the Suez Canal. In early December, the Houthis pledged to target any Israel-bound ship in the Red Sea, resulting in several ship attacks, including the hijacking of the Galaxy Leader, currently held hostage in Yemen's Hodeidah port with its 25 crew members.