Blinken says Houthi attacks on shipping in Red Sea have to stop

AL ULA: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday said Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea have to stop, adding countries have made clear that there have to be consequences if the attacks continue.

The statement comes after Houthi rebels launched ‘complex attack’ on Red Sea ships on Tuesday. An attack was launched, which the US military described as “a complex attack”, that involved missiles and drones in the Red Sea, further raising already high tensions in the Middle East.

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The attack occurred at about 9:15 a.m. local time, with Iran-designed one-way attack drones and anti-ship cruise and ballistic missiles launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward dozens of shipping vessels transiting the Red Sea, US Central Command said in a statement published on X.

There were no indications that any shipping vessels were damaged in the volley, with U.S. and British warships shooting down 18 drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles and an anti-ship ballistic missile, it said.

This is the 26th Houthi attack on Red Sea commercial shipping lanes since November 19.

Four US and one British vessel as well as American fighter jets were involved in responding to the Houthi attack Tuesday. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) also met last week to have its first open meeting on the issue, with several nations, including the United States, calling on the 15-member body to act.

The Houthi rebels have vowed to attack all Israel-bound ships transiting the important trade route that accounts for between 10 per cent and 15 per cent of global trade in response over the Middle Eastern country’s war against Hamas, but have seemingly expanded the scope of its targets to all ships.

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The seemingly escalating attacks have increased fears of the war expanding outside of Israel, as well as concerns over impacts to global trade and increased shipping costs. Last week, a top United Nations official said about 18 shipping companies have rerouted their vessels around South Africa, adding 10 days and additional costs to their journey.

The Pentagon last week said it has assessed 55 nations having direct connections to the ships being attack. Prior to Tuesday’s attack, it had shot down 19 drones and missiles and sunk three small boats, Vice Admiral Brad Cooper told reporters on Thursday.

Washington’s preference is the Houthis get the message countries around the world are sending that this needs to stop, Blinken told reporters in Saudi Arabia.