Would attack any US-led defence in Red Sea: Houthis of Yemen

Al Mukalla: Houthis of Yemen asserted on Tuesday that it would attack any US-led maritime troops if they defended Israeli-bound ships in the Red Sea. Houthi negotiator Mohammed Abdul Sallam stated that the group will block ships in the Red Sea that are heading towards Israel and also attack any forces that try to stop them, Arab News reported.

Sallam posted on X, "Whoever attempts to escalate the confrontation must pay the consequences of his actions, and America's coalition is to defend Israel and militarize the sea for no reason, and (this) will not prevent Yemen from continuing its lawful activities in support of Gaza."

Recently, there were attacks by the Houthis on ships sailing through the Red Sea. The attacked ships were supposed to be heading to Israel, and Houthis stated that the attack was intended to stop Israel's offensive in Gaza.

The United States on Monday announced a 10-nation multinational security initiative to defend trade in the Red Sea after Houthis of Yemen started attacking shipping lines, forcing shipping firms to suspend operations in the region, Al Jazeera reported.

Houthi leader Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti said that even if America successfully rally the whole world, the militant group will continue operations until the genocide in Gaza stops. The fight will continue until food, medicine, and fuel are constantly supplied into Gaza, he said and added that Houthis do not matter the sacrifices it costs.

When Yemen's defence ministry stated that the country would not join US multinational defence in the Red Sea, the vice president of Yemen's internationally recognized Presidential Leadership Council and president of the pro-independence Southern Transitional Council Aidarous Al-Zubaidi said that Yemeni troops would take part in any multilateral cooperation to safeguard global shipping routes.

Houthis reaction and hostile announcement came after that.