By Blessing Chinagorom
The United States, United Kingdom, 44 Allies and partner nations have condemned Houthi interference with navigational rights and freedoms in the waters around Arabian Peninsula, particularly the Red Sea.
According to the statement released by the Governments of United States of America, High Representative Josep Borrell on behalf of the European Union, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on behalf of NATO, and a group representing 44 Allies and partner nations.
They said, “The numerous attacks originating from Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen, including the December 3 attacks against three commercial vessels in the Southern Red Sea connected to 14 nations, threaten international commerce and maritime security.
Adding that, “The Houthi-led seizure of the Galaxy Leader on November 19 and the detention of its 25-member international crew – who remain unjustly detained – is appalling.
They said further that such behavior also threatens the movement of food, fuel, humanitarian assistance, and other essential commodities to destinations and populations all over the world.
The undersigned further encourage all states to refrain from facilitation or encouragement of the Houthis. “There is no justification for these attacks, which affect many countries beyond the flags these ships sail under.
“We again call on the Houthis to release the Galaxy Leader crew and ship immediately and to cease additional attacks on commercial vessels in the region’s vital waterways”, these Nations and allies said.
Earlier, the British Government said as Houthi attacks against vessels continue on Red sea, it has ordered the Royal Navy Destroyer HMS Diamond to join the Operation Prosperity Guardian, a new international task force to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Defence, stating that alongside HMS Diamond, the task force currently includes three US destroyers, and a French warship is also in the region.
“All are currently operating in the Southern Red Sea with the multinational partnership focus on protecting freedom of navigation, international trade and human life by countering illicit non-state actors in international waters.
“Countries including Bahrain, Norway and the Seychelles are supporting the Operation. The security situation in Red Sea deteriorating, with the Houthi attacks – including use of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial systems against global shipping – representing an increased threat”.
Over the last few days, the impact on global trade has become more acute, with major operators including Maersk and BP pausing sailing through the region due to the security risk, increasing costs and adding time to journeys.
The Defence Secretary joined a virtual call this morning with his US counterpart and around 20 other Defence Ministers from across the globe to discuss the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian.
During the meeting, Ministers agreed that this was an international problem that affects all of global trade and risked severe economic consequences, and agreed to work together on an international solution.
The British Defense Secretary, Grant Shapps in his reaction said, “These illegal attacks are an unacceptable threat to global economy, undermining regional security and are threatening to drive up fuel prices.
Adding that, “This is an international problem that requires an international solution. That is why HMS Diamond has joined Operation Prosperity Guardian. This new task force will protect shipping and vital trade routes in the Red Sea, where large amounts of goods and oil transit through to Europe and on to the UK.
Shapp noted that, Royal Navy personnel are protecting British interests in an increasingly contested part of the world. “Their valuable contribution to upholding peace and security should not be underestimated and we thank them for their service, especially during this festive period”, he said.
Meanwhile, the HMS Diamond arrived in the Red Sea at the weekend after the Defence Secretary authorised her deployment on 30th November to protect and support key shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf.
The warship, one of the Royal Navy’s most advanced, shot down a suspected attack drone on Saturday morning which was targeting merchant shipping in the Red Sea.
Her deployment follows increasing concerns over maritime security at narrow sea trade routes worldwide, known as chokepoints. The ship is part of the UK’s commitment to supporting security in the region and the global maritime commons.
The waters of the Gulf are vital routes for merchant shipping, including for tankers carrying much of the UK’s supply of liquefied natural gas.
Around 50 large merchant ships each day pass through the Bab-el-Mandeb, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, while around 115 major merchant ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz.